Yoga mat with support and traction

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure provides a layered structure including a top layer, a bottom layer, and a grip component disposed between the two layers such that columns from the grip component extend at least partially through openings in the top layer and/or bottom layer. Also provided are mats including the layered structure such that different grip characteristics are provided on the ends of the mat and/or the two sides of the mat by varying one or more characteristics or components of the layered structure.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of the following U.S. patentapplication, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety: U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/193,789, filed Jul. 29, 2011. U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/193,789 claims the benefit of the followingprovisional applications, each of which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety:

U.S. Provisional Application 61/369,656, filed Jul. 30, 2010; and U.S.Provisional Application 61/410,422, filed Nov. 5, 2010.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The present disclosure generally relates to yoga accessories and morespecifically to yoga mats and yoga towels.

2. Description of the Related Art

Yoga has become one of the popular ways and techniques of maintainingphysical as well as mental health and fitness. The art of yoga hasgained momentum, especially in the past decade, across the world withmillions of people adopting it. This has led to a surge in the demandfor yoga accessories such as yoga mats, yoga towels, and the like thatmay utilize modern manufacturing and design processes to create productswith desired comfort levels, thereby meeting the requirements of a yogaaccessory user (hereinafter referred to as the user).

With an increasing demand, several kinds of yoga mats have beendesigned, manufactured, and marketed. The existing designs of matsinvolve single or multiple layer construction that feature a uniform topside manufactured with a single material. A limitation of such mats isthat they are unable to provide sufficient traction in certain areas ofthe mats. This traction is required to provide grip to the user. Bettertraction may be necessary, especially in performing yoga techniques suchas Vinayasa yoga, Bikram yoga, and the like since users tend to sweatmore due to an increased room temperature or vigorous practice. Thesweating on the mat may significantly reduce the performance of the userand may also increase the likelihood of injuries due to slipping.Additionally, the single material construction of the mats does notfully address the varying requirements of the user during various yogapostures on different locations of the mats.

Some existing mat designs provide cushioning and grip on a top surfaceof the mat. In one such design, the grip is introduced by includingpatterns of protrusions and/or depressions on the top surface of themat. In another mat design, two different materials are used indifferent portions of the mat to introduce grip in the mat. In thiscase, some areas on the mat, such as regions where the user's hand andfeet come in contact with the mat, have grip elements that are formed ofa high-traction material, whereas the rest of the mat body is formed ofa low traction material so that the traction and grip are introduced inspecific areas of the mat.

Conventionally, yoga towels have been used along with the mats in heatedenvironments. These towels may be placed on top of the mats at variouslocations to facilitate absorption of sweat and prevent slipping due tothe presence of sweat on body parts such as hands and feet. The existingtowels are typically made of micro fibers. Some existing designs of thetowels provide cushioning and grip on their top surfaces.

None of the existing designs for the mats and towels provides securegrip and stability during yoga poses, and smooth and unobstructedmovements between yoga poses in a single product. In addition, noexisting design uses the difference in the compressibility of the gripregions and the rest of the mat or towel body. Similarly, none of theexisting designs for a grip apparatus provide secure grip and stabilitywhen pressure is applied, and smooth and unobstructed movement whenpressure is released.

In accordance with the foregoing, there is a need for yoga mats andtowels that may offer the required traction and stability to a userwithout compromising smooth movements between yoga poses. Similarly,there is a need for a grip apparatus that may offer traction andstability when pressure is applied without compromising smooth,unobstructed movement when pressure is removed, such as when changinggrip positions. In addition, there is a need for a grip apparatus thatmay also absorb perspiration and prevent moisture from reaching theobject being gripped.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure may provide a mat including a first layer thatmay be formed of a compressible first material. The first layer maycomprise an upper surface with one or more first portions and one ormore second portions. The mat may further include at least one openingformed through the first portions. Further, the mat may include at leastone column that may be disposed in or proximate to the openings. Thecolumns may be formed of a second material. Further, the second portionsmay be adapted to be depressed in a compressed configuration. Further,the columns may be adapted to provide either support to a body part in adirection perpendicular to the top surface of the first layer, ortraction to a body part in a direction tangential to the first layer'stop surface, or both, when the second portions are depressed.

The present disclosure may further provide a mat including a first layerthat may be formed of a compressible first material. The first layer mayinclude an upper surface with one or more first portions and one or moresecond portions. The mat may further include one or more openings formedthrough the first portions. Further, the mat may include one or morecolumns that may be disposed in or proximate to the openings. Thecolumns may be formed of a second material. Further, the columns may beconfigured to be depressed in a compressed configuration. Further, thesecond portions may be adapted to provide traction to a body part in adirection tangential to the first layer's top surface when the columnsare depressed.

The present disclosure may further provide a towel that may include anabsorption layer that may be adapted to absorb moisture. The absorptionlayer may include a top surface with one or more first portions and oneor more second portions. The towel may further include at least onecompressible region of flexible fiber that is disposed on the firstportions. The compressible regions of flexible fiber may be formed of aflexible first material. The towel may further include one or morecolumns that may be disposed on the second portions. The columns may beformed of a second material. Further, the columns may be adapted toprovide either support to a body part in a direction perpendicular tothe absorption layer's top surface, or traction to a body part in adirection tangential to the absorption layer's top surface, or both,when the compressible regions of flexible fiber are depressed.

The present disclosure may further provide a towel that may include anabsorption layer adapted to absorb moisture. The absorption layer mayinclude a top surface with one or more first portions and one or moresecond portions. The absorption layer may further include at least onecompressible region of flexible fiber that is disposed on the firstportions. The compressible regions of flexible fiber may be formed of aflexible first material. The towel may further include at least onecolumn that may be disposed either in or proximate to at least oneopening formed through the second portions. The columns may be formed ofa second material. Further, the columns may be adapted to provide eithersupport to a body part in a direction perpendicular to the absorptionlayer's top surface, or traction to a body part in a directiontangential to the absorption layer's top surface, or both, when thecompressible regions of flexible fiber are depressed.

In an aspect of the disclosure, a grip apparatus is provided. The gripapparatus may include a first layer formed of a compressible firstmaterial. The grip apparatus may further include an upper surface withone or more first portions and one or more second portions. The gripapparatus may further include at least one opening formed through thefirst portions. Further, the grip apparatus may include at least onecolumn that may be disposed in or proximate to the openings. The columnsmay be formed of a second material. Further, either the second portionsmay be adapted to provide traction in a direction tangential to thefirst layer's upper surface when the columns, which are adapted to becompressed to a depressed configuration, are depressed, or the columnsmay be adapted to provide either support in a direction perpendicular tothe upper surface of the first layer, or traction in a directiontangential to the first layer's upper surface, or both, when the secondportion, which is adapted to be compressed to a depressed configuration,is depressed.

The present disclosure may further provide a grip apparatus that mayinclude an absorption layer adapted to absorb moisture. The absorptionlayer may include a top surface with one or more first portions and oneor more second portions. The absorption layer may further include atleast one compressible region of flexible fiber that is disposed on thefirst portions. The compressible regions of flexible fiber may be formedof a flexible first material. The towel may further include at least onecolumn that may be formed of a second material. The columns may also bedisposed either on the second portions or in/proximate to openingsformed through the second portions. The columns may be further adaptedto provide either support in a direction perpendicular to the absorptionlayer's top surface, or traction to in a direction tangential to theabsorption layer's top surface, or both, when the compressible region offlexible fiber is depressed.

In an aspect, a layered structure of a mat includes a top layer with amultiple of openings, a bottom layer, and a grip component including amultiple of columns with connecting segments therebetween, theconnecting segments are disposed between the top layer and the bottomlayer so that each of the columns extend at least partially through atleast one of the multiple of openings. A portion of at least one of themultiple of columns is at least partially hollow. The grip component isformed of at least one of an elastomer and a flexible polymericmaterial. Each of the multiple of columns includes a flange. Theconnecting segments extend from the respective flange of each of themultiple of columns. The thickness of the connecting segments is equalto the thickness of the flanges. The thickness of the connectingsegments is different from the thickness of the flanges. A top surfaceof the bottom layer has regions that correspond to the shape of at leastone of the flanges and the connecting segments. A top surface of thebottom layer has regions that correspond to at least a portion of athickness of at least one of the flanges and the connecting segments.The bottom surface of the top layer has regions that correspond to atleast a portion of the shape of at least one of the flanges and of theconnecting segments. The bottom surface of the top layer has regionsthat correspond to at least a portion of a thickness of at least one ofthe flanges and the connecting segments.

In an aspect, a grip component of a mat may include a multiple ofcolumns, and a connecting web that connects the multiple of columns. Theconnecting web includes at least one of loosely-woven fibers, a wovenfabric, a nonwoven fabric, and a thin sheet of material, wherein thethin sheet of material includes a plurality of openings stamped, cut orburned through. The multiple of columns may be molded with theconnecting web. The multiple of columns may be affixed to the connectingweb. The multiple of columns may be affixed via at least one ofadhesive, a bonding process, and a printing process. The multiple ofcolumns may be woven into the connecting web during the weaving process.The grip component may further include a top layer disposed adjacent tothe grip component, the top layer having a multiple of openings, and abottom layer bonded to said top layer such that each of the multiple ofcolumns extend into a respective one of the multiple of openings. Thegrip component may be bonded to at least one of the top layer and bottomlayer.

In an aspect, a grip zone of a mat may include a top layer with aplurality of openings, a bottom layer, and a grip component includingcolumns and a connecting web that connects all the columns. Theconnecting web may include at least one of loosely-woven fibers, a wovenfabric, a nonwoven fabric, and a thin sheet of material, with an arrayof openings stamped, cut or burned through. The columns may be molded orformed directly to the connecting web.

In an aspect, a layered structure of a mat may include a top layer witha multiple of first openings, a bottom layer with a multiple of secondopenings, a top grip component comprising a multiple of first columns,and a bottom grip component including a multiple of second columns,wherein the first columns and the second columns have differentcharacteristics, and wherein the first columns extend at least partiallythrough at least one of the multiple of first openings and the secondcolumns extend at least partially through at least one of the multipleof second openings. The different characteristics comprise at least oneof column size, column shape, top surface profile, material,construction and compressibility. The top grip component and the bottomgrip component may be molded or formed of an elastomer or a flexiblepolymeric material. At least one of the top layer and the bottom layerhas a higher compressibility than at least one of the first columns andthe second columns.

In an aspect, a layered structure of a mat includes a top layer with amultiple of first openings, a bottom layer with a multiple of secondopenings, a grip component including a multiple of first columns and amultiple of second columns, wherein the first columns and the secondcolumns have different characteristics, and wherein the first columnsextend at least partially through at least one of the multiple of firstopenings and the second columns extend at least partially through atleast one of the multiple of second openings. The differentcharacteristics comprise at least one of column size, column shape, topsurface profile, material, construction and compressibility. At leastone of the top layer and the bottom layer has a higher compressibilitythan at least one of the first columns and the second columns.

In an aspect, a mat may include a top layer, and a bottom layer, whereinthe top layer and the bottom layer are permanently bonded together toform the mat with a first end and a second end, wherein the first endand the second end have different grip characteristics. The mat mayfurther include a grip component disposed between the top layer and thebottom layer, wherein at least a portion of the grip component extendspartially through at least one of the top layer and the bottom layer.

In an aspect, a mat may include a first layered structure with amultiple of first openings, a first grip component with a multiple offirst columns, each of said multiple of first columns extend at leastpartially through one of the multiple of first openings, and a secondlayered structure with a multiple of second openings, a second gripcomponent with a multiple of second columns, each of said multiple ofsecond columns extend at least partially through one of the multiple ofsecond openings, wherein the first layered structure a includes a firstcharacteristic and the second layered structure includes a secondcharacteristic, the first characteristic different than the secondcharacteristic. The mat may further include a first top layer adjacentto the first grip component and a second top layer adjacent to thesecond grip component, wherein the first top layer is more compressiblethan the second top layer. The mat may further include a first top layeradjacent to the first grip component and a second top layer adjacent tothe second grip component, wherein the second top layer is morecompressible than the first top layer. The mat may further include afirst bottom layer adjacent to the first grip component and a secondbottom layer adjacent to the first grip component, the first bottomlayer more compressible than the second bottom layer. The mat mayfurther include a first bottom layer adjacent to the first gripcomponent and a second bottom layer adjacent to the second gripcomponent, the second bottom layer more compressible than the firstbottom layer. The first columns may be more compressible than the secondcolumns. The second columns may be more compressible than the firstcolumns. A top surface of the first columns may have a larger edge radiithan a top surface of the second columns. A top surface of the secondcolumns may have a larger edge radii than a top surface of the firstcolumns. The first and second characteristic is at least one of layeredstructure size, layered structure shape, layered structure location,column size, column shape, column number, layered structure pattern,layered structure color, grip column top surface profile, top layer orbottom layer material, top layer or bottom layer characteristics, columnmaterial, column construction and column compressibility. A top surfaceof the mat includes at least one of textual cues, graphic symbols,colors, and diagrams proximate to the first and second layeredstructures to indicate the proper orientation for using the mat. Thefirst and second characteristic indicates the proper orientation forusing the mat. At least one of the first grip component, first columns,second grip component, and second columns includes a material of eithera low durometer or a low density. At least one of the first gripcomponent, first columns, second grip component, and second columns ofthe first layered structure and the second layered structure includes amaterial of either a medium to high durometer or a medium to lowdensity. A top surface of at least one of the first and second gripcolumns has a small edge radii. The first layered structure includes alarger number of grip columns than the second layered structure. Thefirst columns may be smaller than the second columns. A surface of oneor more of the first columns facing the second layered structure may beconcave. At least one of a top layer or a bottom layer of the firstlayered structure or the first columns may have a lower compressibilitythan a top layer or a bottom layer of the second layered structure orthe second columns. A top surface of one or more of the first columnsmay be concave. A top surface of one or more of the first columns mayhave a larger edge radius than a top surface of one or more of thesecond columns. A surface of one or more of the second columns facingthe first layered structure may be straight and normal to the directionof the first layered structure. A top surface of one or more of thesecond columns may be flat. A top surface of one or more of the secondcolumns may be convex. At least one of the first layered structure andsecond layered structure includes at least one of a large number ofcolumns, small-sized columns, a surface of one or more of the columnsfacing the second layered structure are concave, a top layer or a bottomlayer or the columns have a low compressibility, a top surface of one ormore of the columns are concave, and a top surface of one or more of thesecond columns has a large edge radius. At least one of the firstlayered structure and second layered structure includes at least one ofa small number of columns, large-sized columns, a surface of one or moreof the columns facing the opposite layered structure are straight andnormal to the direction of the opposite layered structure, a top layeror a bottom layer or the columns have a high compressibility, a topsurface of one or more of the columns are flat or convex, and a topsurface of one or more of the columns has a small edge radius. At leastone of the top layer and the bottom layer has a higher compressibilitythan at least one of the first columns and the second columns.

In an aspect, a mat may include a first layered structure, and a secondlayered structure; wherein said first layered structure includes a firstcharacteristic, and the second layered structure includes a secondcharacteristic, the first characteristic different from the secondcharacteristic. Each of the first layered structure and the secondlayered structure includes a top layer with a multiple of firstopenings, a bottom layer with a multiple of second openings, a top gripcomponent including a multiple of first columns, and a bottom gripcomponent including a multiple of second columns. The first columns andthe second columns may have different characteristics. The first columnsmay extend at least partially through at least one of the multiple offirst openings and the second columns extend at least partially throughat least one of the multiple of second openings. The first and secondcharacteristic may be at least one of column size, column shape, topsurface profile, material, construction and compressibility. The topgrip component and the bottom grip component may be molded or formed ofan elastomer or a flexible polymeric material. The number of firstcolumns may be larger than the number of second columns. The firstcolumns may be smaller than the second columns. A surface of one or moreof the first columns may be concave. At least one of the top layer andthe first columns may have a lower compressibility than at least one ofthe bottom layer and the second columns. A top surface of one or more ofthe first columns may have a larger edge radius than a top surface ofone or more of the second columns. A surface of one or more of thesecond columns may be straight and normal to the direction of theopposite layered structure. A top surface of one or more of the secondcolumns may be flat or convex. At least one of the top layer and thebottom layer has a higher compressibility than at least one of the firstcolumns and the second columns.

In an aspect, a mat may include a first layered structure and a secondlayered structure, wherein each of the first layered structure and thesecond layered structure comprise a top layer with a multiple of firstopenings, a bottom layer with a multiple of second openings, and a gripcomponent including a multiple of first columns and a multiple of secondcolumns, wherein the first columns and the second columns have differentcharacteristics, and wherein the first columns extend at least partiallythrough at least one of the multiple of first openings and the secondcolumns extend at least partially through at least one of the multipleof second openings. The different characteristics include at least oneof column size, column shape, top surface profile, material,construction and compressibility. The top grip component and the bottomgrip component may be molded or formed of an elastomer or a flexiblepolymeric material. The number of first columns may be larger than thenumber of second columns. The first columns may be smaller than thesecond columns. A surface of one or more of the first columns may beconcave. At least one of the top layer and the first columns may have alower compressibility than at least one of the bottom layer and thesecond columns. A top surface of one or more of the first columns mayhave a larger edge radius than a top surface of one or more of thesecond columns. A surface of one or more of the second columns may bestraight and normal to the direction of the opposite layered structure.A top surface of one or more of the second columns may be flat orconvex. At least one of the top layer and the bottom layer has a highercompressibility than at least one of the first columns and the secondcolumns.

In an aspect, a non-transitory computer readable medium with anexecutable program, wherein the program instructs a microprocessor toperform the following steps, may include taking a sensor reading from atleast one of a plurality of sensors disposed within at least one sensorregion of a surface, in response to a user assuming one or more yogaposes on the surface; analyzing the sensor reading to generate apressure map, and identifying a yoga mat from a plurality of yoga matsin response to the pressure map. The medium may further includetransmitting the sensor reading to a computer using a communicationsfacility integrated with the surface. The surface may be a yoga mat. Theplurality of sensors may be at least one of affixed to the top of thesurface, disposed beneath the surface, or integrated with the surface.The plurality of sensors may be adapted to detect forces normal to thesurface. The plurality of sensors may be adapted to detect forces in thedirection of at least one of a length and a width of the surface. Theplurality of sensors may be adapted to detect pressures. The medium mayfurther include receiving information from a user comprising at leastone of an age, an amount of yoga experience, a gender, a frequency ofyoga practice, and a type of yoga practiced, and using the informationin at least one of the analyzing and the identifying step. The mediummay further include displaying the pressure map to the user. The mediummay further include detecting, based on the sensor reading, if the userdoes not have their hands and feet within the at least one sensor regionor if the user is wearing shoes. Analyzing may include determining atleast one of the size of the user's palms, the span of the user's handsand feet, the user's overall weight, the relative loads on the user'shands and feet and the relative tangential forces compared to therelative normal forces, if the user presses on the surface primarilywith portions of the hand or with the entire hand when in certain yogaposes, if the user presses on the surface primarily with the toes orwith the entire soles of the feet when in certain yoga poses, if theuser has relatively well-developed core muscles, and if the user isrelatively steady or unsteady when assuming the one or more yoga poseson the surface. Identifying includes matching a yoga mat with particularcharacteristics to the user, wherein the characteristics include atleast one of grip zone size, grip zone shape, grip zone location, columnsize, column shape, column number, grip zone pattern, grip zone color,grip column top surface profile, top layer or bottom layer material, toplayer or bottom layer characteristics, column material, columnconstruction and column compressibility. The yoga mat may include twogrip zones and the two grip zones may differ in at least one of thecharacteristics.

In an aspect, a mat may include a first layered structure and a secondlayered structure, wherein the first layered structure is on a first endof the mat and the second layered structure is on a second of the mat,wherein each of the first layered structure and the second layeredstructure comprise a top layer with a plurality of first openings, abottom layer with a plurality of second openings, a top grip componentincluding a plurality of first columns, and a bottom grip componentincluding a plurality of second columns, and wherein the first columnsextend at least partially through at least one of the plurality of firstopenings and the second columns extend at least partially through atleast one of the plurality of second openings. The first columns and thesecond columns may have different characteristics. The top layer and thebottom layer may have different characteristics. At least one of the toplayer and the bottom layer has a higher compressibility than at leastone of the first columns and the second columns.

In an aspect, a mat may include a first layered structure including atop layer with a plurality of top openings, a bottom layer with aplurality of bottom openings, a top grip component including a pluralityof top columns that extend at least partially through at least one ofthe plurality of top openings, and a bottom grip component including aplurality of bottom columns that extend at least partially through atleast one of the plurality of bottom openings, said first layeredstructure located within a first end section of the mat, and a secondlayered structure including a second top layer with a plurality ofsecond top openings, a second bottom layer with a plurality of secondbottom openings, a second top grip component including a plurality ofsecond top columns that extend at least partially through at least oneof the plurality of second top openings, and a second bottom gripcomponent including a plurality of second bottom columns that extend atleast partially through at least one of the plurality of second bottomopenings, said second layered structure located within a second endsection of the mat. At least one of the top columns and second topcolumns includes at least one different characteristic as compared to atleast one of the bottom columns and the second bottom columns. At leastone of the top layer and the second top layer includes at least onedifferent characteristic as compared to at least one of the bottom layerand the second bottom layer. At least one of the top layer, second toplayer, bottom layer and the second bottom layer has a highercompressibility than at least one of the top columns, second topcolumns, bottom columns, and second bottom columns.

In an aspect, a mat may include a first layered structure comprising atop layer with a plurality of top openings, a bottom layer with aplurality of bottom openings, and a grip component including a pluralityof top columns that extend at least partially through at least one ofthe plurality of top openings and a plurality of bottom columns thatextend at least partially through at least one of the plurality ofbottom openings, said first layered structure located within a first endsection of the mat, and a second layered structure comprising a secondtop layer with a plurality of second top openings, a second bottom layerwith a plurality of second bottom openings, and a second grip componentincluding a plurality of second top columns that extend at leastpartially through at least one of the plurality of second top openingsand a plurality of second bottom columns that extend at least partiallythrough at least one of the plurality of second bottom openings, saidsecond layered structure located within a second end section of the mat.At least one of the plurality of top columns or second top columns andat least one of the plurality of second columns or second bottom columnsmay have different characteristics. The different characteristics mayinclude at least one of column size, column shape, top surface profile,material, construction and compressibility. The number of top columnsmay be larger than the number of bottom columns. At least one of the topcolumns and second top columns may be smaller than at least one of thebottom columns and second bottom columns. A surface of at least one ofthe top columns, second top columns, bottom columns, and second bottomcolumns may be concave. At least one of the top layer, second top layer,bottom layer, and second bottom layer may have a higher compressibilitythan at least one of the top columns, second top columns, bottomcolumns, and second bottom columns.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The inventions disclosed herein and the following detailed descriptionof certain embodiments thereof may be understood with reference to thefollowing figures:

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a mat, in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of a layered structure of a grip zoneof the mat of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C depict a structural construction of a mat in anuncompressed configuration, in accordance with various embodiments ofthe present disclosure;

FIGS. 4A and 4B depict compressed and uncompressed configurations of amat, in accordance with a first embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 5A and 5B depict compressed and uncompressed configurations of amat, in accordance with a second embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 6A and 6B depict compressed and uncompressed configurations of amat, in accordance with a third embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 7A and 7B depict compressed and uncompressed configurations of amat, in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C depict the compressed and uncompressedconfigurations of a mat 800, in accordance with a fifth embodiment ofthe present disclosure;

FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C, and 9D depict components of a mat, in accordance witha first embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 10C depict components of a bottomless mat, inaccordance with a second embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C depict components of a bottomless mat, inaccordance with a third embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 12A and 12B depict the compressed and uncompressed configurationsof a mat, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 13A, 13B, and 13C depict compressed and uncompressedconfigurations of a towel, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 14 depicts coupling between a towel and a mat, in accordance withan embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIGS. 15A and 15B depict compressed and uncompressed configurations of atowel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 depicts the compressed configuration of a grip apparatus duringstanding and stationary posture, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 17 depicts a perspective view of an alternative layered structureof the grip zone of a mat, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 18 depicts a perspective view of a layered structure of the gripzone of a mat, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 19 depicts a perspective view of a mat, in accordance with variousembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 20 depicts a perspective view of a mat, in accordance with variousembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 21 depicts a perspective view of a mat being used in the properorientation for basic users, in accordance with various embodiments ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 22 depicts a perspective view of a mat being used in the properorientation for advanced users, in accordance with various embodimentsof the present disclosure.

FIG. 23 depicts a top perspective view of a mat, in accordance withvarious embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 24 depicts a bottom perspective view of a mat, in accordance withvarious embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 25 depicts a perspective view of a layered structure of the gripzones of a mat, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 26 depicts a perspective view of an alternative layered structureof the grip zones of a mat, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 27 depicts an exemplary procedure for selecting a yoga mat, inaccordance with a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 28 depicts a perspective view of an apparatus, in accordance withan eighth embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Detailed embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed herein;however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments aremerely exemplary of the inventions disclosed herein, which may beembodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functionaldetails disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, butmerely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis forteaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the presentdisclosure in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further,the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting, butrather to provide an understandable description of the disclosure.

The terms “a” or “an,” as used herein, are defined as one or more thanone. The term “another,” as used herein, is defined as at least a secondor more. The terms “including” and/or “having”, as used herein, aredefined as comprising (i.e., open transition). The term “coupled” or“operatively coupled,” as used herein, is defined as connected, althoughnot necessarily directly and mechanically.

The present disclosure provides a mat and a towel for use in yoga. Forexample, the mat and towel may be used in a heated and cooledenvironment without compromising user performance. In variousembodiments, the mat may include different areas with differentiatedconstruction patterns based on varying requirements. In one embodiment,the mat may offer the required traction to a user without compromisinggliding and other similar flow movements of the user. In anotherembodiment, the mat may offer traction to the user without compromisingthe comfort and portability of the mat. This may help in providing aneutral tactile feel to the user during yoga postures and movementsbetween yoga postures, thereby avoiding any discomfort during yogapractice. Further, in some embodiments, the mat may deliver comfort andstability during stationary postures such as the challengingsingle-footed standing posture and the like.

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a mat 100, in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure. The mat 100 may be a yoga mat orany other general purpose mat such as a floor mat. As shown in FIG. 1,the mat 100 includes a top surface 102. The mat 100 further includes afirst layer 104, which may be made of a material such as compressiblefoam or any other material that is compressible, durable and light. Thematerial may include polystyrene, polymethacrylimide, polyvinylchloride,polyurethane, polypropylene, polyethylene, NES, and the like. Thefoam-based first layer 104 may be capable of achieving the desiredlightness and portability. A desired compressibility and cushioningeffect may be achieved with the help of the foam-based first layer 104within a limited weight, thereby adding portability to the mat 100. Thefoam material of the first layer 104 may be mixed with rubber or anyother similar material to offer enhanced gripping properties. The firstlayer 104 may also be configured to achieve zero or limited sweatabsorption to maintain sanitary conditions all the time even duringheated yoga environments. The thickness of the first layer 104 may varybased on the requirements. Further, the hardness of the materialconstituting the first layer 104 may also vary in durometer and foamdensity based on the requirements.

As shown in FIG. 1, the mat 100 only includes a single layer, i.e., thefirst layer 104. Therefore, in this case, the top surface 102 of the mat100 will be the same as the top surface of the first layer 104. It willbe apparent to a person skilled in the art that the mat 100 may includeany number of layers based on the requirement and utility of the mat100. In one exemplary embodiment, the mat 100 may include a second layerthat may be disposed below the first layer 104. In this case, the secondlayer may act as the base or the bottom layer of the mat 100. In anotherexemplary embodiment, a thin and/or uncompressible layer such as awaterproof coating or a thin fabric may be formed over the first layer104. In this case, the first layer 104 may act as a base layer orintermediate layer and the thin and/or uncompressible layer may act asthe topmost layer of the mat 100.

In various embodiments, the traction may be provided on the top surface102 of the first layer 104 at certain areas of the mat 100. The areasmay include the locations on the mat 100 that may frequently come incontact with feet, hands or other body parts of a user while performingthe yoga exercises. In an exemplary embodiment, the hands and feet ofthe user may come in contact with an area of the mat 100 proximate toopposite ends 108 and 110 of the top surface 102 of the mat 100 duringgliding sequences and poses. The top surface 102 of the mat 100 includesa low-traction surface 112 defined in the area proximate to the middleof the top surface 102 of the mat 100. The top surface 102 furtherincludes one or more traction surface regions 114 a and 114 b defined inthe areas proximate to the opposite ends 108 and 110, respectively, ofthe mat. The traction surface regions 114 a and 114 b may be configuredto provide traction to the user's body parts such as the feet and handsthat come in contact with these surfaces. The traction surface regions114 a and 114 b may allow the user to glide during various yoga steps,while providing sufficient traction to the user's hands and feet instanding poses and while balancing. The added traction through thetraction surface regions 114 a and 114 b may provide a neutral tactilefeel to the user during movements and postures, thereby avoiding usersfrom any feeling of unsteadiness, distraction, and frustration.Additionally, the traction surface regions 114 a and 114 b may bedesigned in such a way that they may provide stability (or support) tothe user during standing and stationary postures, especially in atypical single-footed standing posture typical of yoga. In anotherembodiment, the traction surface regions 114 a and 114 b may be limitedto an area proximate to one of the ends 108 or 110 of the mat 100 suchthat the weight of the mat 100 is kept to a minimum, thereby increasingits portability.

An area covered by the length and width of the traction surface regions114 a and 114 b may be hereinafter referred to as a ‘grip zone’ forsimplicity in the description. The length of the grip zone referring toa measure along the direction of the length of the mat 100 and the widthof the grip zone referring to a measure along the direction of the widthof the mat 100 may vary based on the requirement such as the height ofthe user, the type of yoga exercise, and the like.

In accordance with various embodiments, the traction surface regions 114a and 114 b may be composed of a material or have a surface roughnessthat may offer frictional resistance to one or more body parts, whichcomes in contact with the top surface 102 of the mat 100, in a directiontangential to the top surface 102 of the mat 100 or the first layer 104.In an embodiment, rubber or any other elastomeric or grip-enablingmaterial may be utilized in the traction surface regions 114 a and 114 bto introduce desired traction in the grip zone of the mat 100.

The top surface 102 of the first layer 104 in the grip zone may includeone or more first portions 118 (i.e., portions in the grip zone that arecircular in shape in FIG. 1). The top surface 102 of the first layer 104in the grip zone other than the one or more first portions 118 forms oneor more second portions 120. As shown in FIG. 1, the one or more secondportions 120 are the portions on the top surface 102 of the first layer104 in the grip zone that are disposed between the one or more firstportions 118.

In certain embodiments, the first layer 104 and a layer including thelow-traction surface 112 may be separate layers. In certain otherembodiments, the first layer 104 and the traction surface regions 114 aand 114 b may be separate layers. In yet other embodiments, there may bean intermediate layer of material disposed between the first layer 104and a bottom/base layer of the mat 100 to maintain stiffness and avoidstretching of the first layer 104 upon movement of the user over the mat100.

In various embodiments, openings may be formed through the one or morefirst portions 118. In one embodiment, one or more columns formed of athermoplastic elastomer (i.e., second material) such as a rubber or anyother synthetic material may be disposed in the openings. For example,the columns may be disposed in the openings such that the top surfacesof the columns may be disposed substantially parallel to the top surface102 of the first layer 104. In another example, the columns may bedisposed in the openings such that the top surfaces of the columns maybe disposed below the top surface 102 of first layer 104. Alternatively,in another embodiment, the columns may be disposed proximate to theopenings. For example, some portion of a column may be disposed in theopening, while the remaining portion of the column may be disposed belowthe opening. In another example, some portion of the column may bedisposed in the opening, while the rest portion may protrude outward,i.e., above the top surface 102 of first layer 104. Alternatively, inyet another embodiment, the columns may be disposed below the openings.In various embodiments, the top surfaces of the columns may be formed ofa traction material that may offer traction higher or lower than thatoffered by the traction material used to form the one or more secondportions 120. The selection of higher or lower traction may be based onthe traction requirement.

In an embodiment, the openings may be single-sided holes such that thefirst layer 104 is uncut at one surface of the mat 100. For example, theone or more first portions 118 of the top surface 102 of the mat 100 maybe cut to provide openings such that the bottom surface of the firstlayer 104 is left uncut. In another embodiment, the openings may bepass-through holes such that the one or more first portions 118 are cutfrom the top surface 102 to the bottom surface of the first layer 104.The openings may be configured to receive the columns fixedly, inaccordance with an embodiment. The top surfaces of the columns may bedisposed substantially parallel to the top surface 102 of the firstlayer 104 or may protrude outward or inward. The shape of the columnsmay be cylindrical, square, rectangular, or the like, with definedlengths and widths of the columns such that a traction pattern iscreated. The traction pattern may provide traction to the user's bodyparts contacting the grip zone of the mat 100. The traction pattern maybe zigzag, puzzle, or the like. Alternatively, the traction pattern maybe one or more continuous lines. In accordance with various embodiments,the configuration of the traction pattern may vary based on therequirements. The traction pattern may be uniform or non-uniform.

The openings may be created through the first layer 104 by variousmanufacturing and cutting processes such as die cutting, laser orwater-jet cutting, gang-punching, and the like. The columns in orproximate to the openings may be compressed when the user appliespressure during standing poses or any other activity that involvescontact of the user's body parts with the traction surface regions 114 aand 114 b. The configuration in which the pressure applied on anyportion of the traction surface regions 114 a and 114 b (e.g., anywhereon the one or more second portions 120, the top surface of at least onecolumn, or both) facilitates the one or more second portions 120, thetop surface of at least one column, or both to be compressed ishereinafter referred to as a compressed configuration. In an embodiment,the columns and/or the second portions 120 may compress only whenpressure applied on the traction surface regions 114 a and 114 b is thesame as or above a threshold pressure, i.e., the pressure at which thecolumns and/or the second portions 120 begin to compress. In variousembodiments, the material of the columns and/or the second portions 120may be chosen to be of sufficient stiffness such that they will notcompress until the threshold pressure is achieved. The stiffness (orcompressibility) of the columns may also be affected by the structure ofthe underside of the columns, which could be hollow on their undersideswith ribs in order to reduce weight, and/or by the stiffness (orcompressibility) of the bottom layer of the mat 100. The amount ofthreshold pressure may vary based on the relative compressibility of thecolumns, the first layer 104, the bottom layer of the mat 100, relativeheights of the columns, and the like.

The compressed configuration may provide either support (or stability)to the body parts that contact in a direction perpendicular to the topsurface 102 of the first layer 104, or traction to the body parts thatcontact in a direction tangential to the top surface 102, or both. Inother words, the support refers to the resistance to movement of thebody parts in the direction perpendicular to the top surface 102 of thefirst layer 104, whereas the traction refers to the resistance tomovement in a direction tangential to the first layer's top surface. Inan embodiment where the one or more second portions 120 depresses morethan the top surfaces of at least one column in the compressedconfiguration, these columns may engage with the hands/feet of the userto offer both support and traction. In various embodiments, the materialused to form the columns may be harder and hence, less compressible,than the material used to form the first layer 104. The columns, beingmore rigid than the first layer 104, provide more stability/support thanthe cushioning first layer 104 when the columns engage with thehands/feet, thus improving the user's balance. This may allow thecolumns to provide the required support in the direction perpendicularto the top surface 102 of the first layer 104 since the columns will notdepress significantly in the compressed configuration. The traction andsupport, thus developed under pressure, may still maintain a comfortablelevel for hands and feet while gliding over the grip zone of the mat100. In other words, the mat 100 is able to offer the required tractionand support to the user without compromising smooth movements betweenthe yoga poses. Alternatively, in another embodiment where the one ormore second portions 120 depresses less than the top surfaces of atleast one column in the compressed configuration, the one or more secondportions 120 may engage with the hands/feet of the user to offer onlyfraction to the hands/feet.

The traction may be provided based on any or all of the known factors,such as, but not limited to, the coefficient of friction (such as staticfriction and dynamic/sliding friction), surface texture/roughness, theedge contact and contact with the sides of the columns (in thecompressed configuration). In other words, the traction may be affectedby a combination of material properties and geometry.

Further, the configuration in which the columns and/or the secondportions 120 are in uncompressed state (i.e., the pressure applied onthe traction surface regions 114 a and 114 b is below the thresholdpressure) is interchangeably referred to as an uncompressedconfiguration. In the uncompressed configuration, the top surfaces ofsome or all columns are configured to be disposed either below orcoplanar to the top surface 102 of the first layer 104.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, grip zonesmay be provided proximate to the opposite ends 108 and 110 of the topsurface 102 of the mat 100 as depicted in FIG. 1. In another embodiment,grip zones may be provided on the entire top surface 102 of the mat 100to provide additional traction.

The mat 100 may further include various patterns or textures based onvarying requirements at different locations of the mat 100. In someembodiments, the top surface 102 of the mat 100 may be covered with awaterproofing layer that may block the sweat or perspiration fromabsorbing into the mat 100. In an embodiment, the waterproofing layermay be coated with an elastomer such as a rubber to provide traction.The waterproofing layer may include a texture for additional traction.

In accordance with an embodiment, a bottom surface of the mat 100 may beprovided with a traction element or coating that may deliver traction tothe entire bottom surface of the mat 100 for creating a binding impactbetween the mat 100 and the floor. In another embodiment, the bottomsurface of the mat 100 may be provided with a texture to create such abinding impact between the mat 100 and the floor. This may protect themat 100 from dislocating and may also keep it clean. Further, a layer orcoating may be provided on the bottom surface to protect and maintainthe cleanliness of the mat 100. In accordance with various embodimentsof the present disclosure, antimicrobial treatment may be performed onthe mat 100 to ensure the desired hygienic conditions. Antimicrobialagents that may kill or limit the growth of the microorganisms may beutilized in the antimicrobial treatment. In addition, an antimicrobialcoating may be applied on the surface of the mat 100 that may kill orinhibit the growth of microorganisms.

The mat 100 may be customized based on the user's requirements andpreferences. The hardness of foam or rubber may vary in durometer and/ordensity based on the user's preference. Similarly, the shape and size ofthe columns, openings, and the like may also vary. In accordance with anembodiment, the mat 100 may include two or more layers of foam to formthe first layer 104. The top layer may be utilized to generate thetraction pattern of the traction surface regions 114 a and 114 b, whilethe lower layers may act as a base. In another embodiment, a singlelayer may be utilized that may be die cut or embossed with columns ofrubber and the like on the top surface of the layer or in openingsformed through this top surface. The color of foam and rubber used toform the columns may be customized based on user preferences. The sizeof the traction surface regions 114 a and 114 b, pattern of rubbershapes, and their placement (e.g., depth) in or proximate to theopenings may vary based on the requirements.

In accordance with various embodiments, the mat 100 may be manufacturedin a layered manner with a plurality of layers disposed on top of oneanother in a stacked form. FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of alayered structure 200 of the grip zone of the mat 100, in accordancewith an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 2, thefirst layer 104's grip zone and a second layer such as a bottom layer202 are separated by an elastomeric grip component 204. In thisembodiment, the first layer 104 acts as the topmost layer of the mat100, while the bottom layer 202 acts as the base layer of the mat 100.In various embodiments, the first layer 104 has an array of openings 208(hereinafter referred to as ‘openings 208’) formed through the one ormore first portions 118 of the top surface 102 of the first layer 104.The elastomeric grip component 204 may include grip elements such ascolumns 210. The elastomeric grip component 204 is a thin layer ofelastomer, which connects all the columns 210. Further, as shown in FIG.2, the elastomeric grip component 204 is a rectangular-shaped componentconfigured with the shape and size that match with that of the grip zoneof the first layer 104. The similarity in the shapes and sizesfacilitates in coupling the elastomeric grip component 204 through thebottom surface of the grip zone of the first layer 104 such that thecolumns 210 fix into (and outward on the top surface 102 of the firstlayer 104 when compressed) the openings 208 of the first layer 104. Thecolumns 210 may be molded into any shape and size that may fit in orproximate to the openings 208.

The columns 210 may be formed of a high-traction material such that thetop surfaces 212 of some or all of the columns 210 have a highertraction than the one or more second portions 120 of the top surface 102of the first layer 104. In an uncompressed configuration, the topsurfaces 212 of some or all of the columns 210 are configured to bedisposed either below or coplanar to the top surface 102 of the firstlayer 104. The columns 210 may protrude through the openings 208 in thefirst layer 104 when sufficient pressure (i.e., on or above thresholdpressure) is applied on the grip zone of the mat 100. In one embodiment,the one or more second portions 120 of the top surface 102 of the firstlayer 104, which is formed of the compressible material, may compress inresponse to the sufficient pressure applied by the hands and feet of theuser, thereby exposing some or all the columns 210 above the top surface102. This compressed configuration of the mat 100 facilitates the topsurface 102 of the mat 100 to provide increased grip and traction to theuser's hands and feet contacting the grip zone. Additionally, thecolumns 210, being more rigid than the first layer 104, provide morestability than the cushioning first layer 104 would by itself, therebyimproving the user's balance on the mat 100. The traction and support,developed under pressure, may still maintain a comfortable level forhands and feet while gliding over the grip zone of the mat 100. Further,in an embodiment when the pressure is removed from the grip zone or thepressure applied is below the threshold pressure, the one or more secondportions 120 may return to its original position and conceal thehigh-traction columns 210.

Alternatively, in another embodiment where the one or more secondportions 120 depresses less than the top surfaces 212 of some or all ofthe columns 210 in the compressed configuration, the one or more secondportions 120 may engage with the hands/feet of the user to offer onlytraction to the hands/feet. This will be described later in conjunctionwith FIGS. 6A and 6B.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, the columns210 and the top surface 102 of the first layer 104 may be fabricatedfrom the same material such that the materials of the columns 210 andthe first layer 104 only differ in hardness (durometer) or density. Thevariance in hardness or weight of the columns 210 and the first layer104 may provide the required traction even with the use of similarmaterials. In an exemplary scenario, both the first layer 104 and thecolumns 210 may be fabricated from rubber. However, the hardness of thefirst layer 104 and the columns 210 may be varied to induce a tractionpattern in the grip zone.

The multi-layer mat 100 may utilize various types of materials based onthe requirements. In an exemplary scenario, the first layer 104 of themat 100 may be fabricated from foam and the bottom layer 202 may befabricated from rubber. Similarly, various other materials may be usedto manufacture various layers of the mat 100. In an embodiment of thepresent disclosure, the bottom layer 202 may be less compressible thanthe first layer 104. In this case, the material used to form the bottomlayer 202 may be harder and hence, less compressible, than the materialused to form the first layer 104. This may allow the columns 210 toprovide the required support since the columns 210 will not depresssignificantly in the compressed configuration.

It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the number ofopenings and columns represented in FIG. 2 is exemplary and any numberof openings and columns may be applicable in accordance with variousembodiments of the present disclosure. Also, the shapes and sizes ofopenings and columns are exemplary and any other shape and size can bedeployed in a similar manner in accordance with the mat of the presentdisclosure.

In the embodiment described in conjunction with FIG. 2, the openings 208are formed by cutting the top surface 102 of the first layer 104 suchthat the one or more first portions 118 are hollow and hence, some orall the columns 210 in the elastomeric grip component 204 may be fixedinto the openings 208 through the bottom surface of the first layer 104.Alternatively, the columns may be provided individually in each openingformed through the top surface of the mat. FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C depict astructural construction of a mat 300 in an uncompressed configuration,in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. Inthis embodiment, only a portion of a grip zone (similar to the grip zoneof FIG. 1) of the mat 300 is disclosed. As shown in FIGS. 3A-3C, the mat300 includes a first layer 302 and a bottom layer 304 disposed below thefirst layer 302 having a top surface 308. The top surface 308 of thefirst layer 302 in the grip zone may include a first portion 310. Thetop surface 308 of the first layer 302 in the grip zone other than thefirst portion 310 forms one or more second portions 312. As shown inFIGS. 3A-3C, the one or more second portions 312 are the portions on thetop surface 308 of the first layer 302 in the grip zone that aredisposed on the two sides of the first portion 310.

As depicted in FIG. 3A, a column 314 formed of an elastomer may beintroduced into an opening 318 formed through the first portion 310 suchthat a lower surface of the column 314 extends to a bottom surface 320of the first layer 302. As shown in FIG. 3A, a top surface 322 of thecolumn 314 is curve shaped and a major portion of this top surface 322is coplanar with the top surface 308 of the first layer 302. The minorportion of the top surface 322 of the column 314 is disposed below thetop surface 308 of the first layer 302. Further, the column 314 hasflanges 324 disposed under the first layer 302. The flanges 324 are thinsections of material that are disposed on either side of the column 314to hold the column 314 in place or facilitate coupling of the column 314to the sidewalls of the first layer 302. It will be apparent to a personskilled in the art that a plurality of columns (similar to the column314) may be disposed individually in respective openings (similar to theopening 318) formed through respective first portions (similar to thefirst portion 310) of top surfaces of the first layer 302.

As depicted in FIG. 3B, a column 328 formed of an elastomer may beintroduced into an opening 330 formed through the first portion 310 suchthat a lower surface of the column 328 extends through an opening in thebottom layer 304, thereby making the column 328 longer. As shown in FIG.3B, a top surface 332 of the column 328 is curve shaped and a majorportion of this top surface 332 is coplanar with the top surface 308 ofthe first layer 302. The minor portion of the top surface 332 of thecolumn 328 is disposed below the top surface 308 of the first layer 302.Further, the column 328 has flanges 334 (similar to the flanges 324 ofFIG. 3A) disposed under the first layer 302. FIGS. 3A-3C describe theplacement of a single column in the opening. It will be apparent to aperson skilled in the art that a plurality of columns (similar to thecolumn 328) may be similarly disposed individually in openings (similarto the opening 330 and the opening in the bottom layer 304) formedthrough the respective first portions (similar to the first portion 310)of the top surfaces of the first layer 302.

As depicted in FIG. 3C, a column 338 may be introduced into an opening340 formed through the first portion 310 such that a lower surface ofthe column 338 may substantially interface with the first layer 302 atcertain depth, which is uncut at the bottom end. As shown in FIG. 3C, atop surface 342 of the column 338 is curve shaped and a major portion ofthis top surface 342 is coplanar with the top surface 308 of the firstlayer 302. The minor portion of the top surface 342 of the column 338 isdisposed below the top surface 308 of the first layer 302. It will beapparent to a person skilled in the art that a plurality of columns(similar to the column 338) may be disposed individually in openings(similar to the opening 340) formed through the respective firstportions (similar to the first portion 310) of the top surfaces of thefirst layer 302.

However, still various other embodiments, as described above, may alsobe possible without limitations. In an exemplary embodiment, theindividual columns may be formed by pouring liquid elastomer into theopenings of the first layer (such as 104 or 302) and curing theelastomer. This embodiment will be described in detail later inconjunction with FIGS. 5A and 5B.

In yet another embodiment, rubber in the form of a plurality of rubberdots may be embossed on the first layer 302 to form a traction surface(such as the one or more traction surface regions 114 a and 114 b) onthe top surface 308 of the first layer 302. The embossed rubber dots mayprovide a raised design or relief on the first layer 302 of the mat 300.Embossing of the rubber dots may be done with the help of embossing diesor rollers or any other technique. In embodiments, embossing orproviding traction pattern may channel moisture or sweat away from handsand feet of the user. Various patterns of the embossing dies and rollersmay be utilized to accomplish a required design of the rubber dots onthe mat 300. In another embodiment, rubber textured coating may beapplied on the first layer 302 to form the traction surface. Similarly,in accordance with various other embodiments of the present disclosure,several other kinds of manufacturing techniques and processes may beutilized without limitations to form the traction pattern on the firstlayer 302. This embodiment of using the rubber embossing may besimilarly applied to columns formed in or proximate to the openings(such as 318, 330, or 340) formed through the one or more first portions(such as 310) of the top surface 308 of the first layer 302.

In embodiments, the traction pattern may vary based on the requirements.In an embodiment, the traction pattern may be continuous. In anotherembodiment, the traction pattern may be discontinuous. For example,rubber shapes such as rubber dots or rubber columns may be disposed orembossed in the openings formed through the first portions of the topsurface 308 of the first layer 302 in a continuous or discontinuousmanner. Further, the size and/or shape of rubber such as dots or columnsmay vary. Still, in another embodiment, the size and/or shape of therubber may be kept uniform.

Various embodiments described below in conjunction with FIGS. 4A and 4Bto FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C only disclose various detailed views of a gripzone of a mat (such as the grip zone of the mat 100).

FIGS. 4A and 4B depict compressed and uncompressed configurations of amat 400, in accordance with a first embodiment of the presentdisclosure. As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the mat 400 includes a firstlayer 402 having a top surface 408 and a bottom layer 404 disposed belowthe first layer 402. The top surface 408 of the first layer 402 in thegrip zone may include one or more first portions 410. The top surface408 of the first layer 402 in the grip zone other than the firstportions 410 forms one or more second portions 412. As shown in FIGS. 4Aand 4B, the second portions 420 are the portions on the top surface 408of the first layer 402 in the grip zone that are disposed between thefirst portions 410.

As depicted in FIGS. 4A and 4B, a plurality of columns 414 formed of anelastomer may be introduced into openings 418 formed through the firstportions 410. The columns 414 may have the top surfaces 420 that arecoplanar to the top surface 408 of the first layer 402. Further, asshown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, a surface 422 defined by connecting the topsurfaces 420 of the columns 414 is planar.

FIG. 4A depicts the uncompressed configuration in which either nopressure is applied on the grip zone or the pressure applied on the gripzone is below a threshold pressure. In an embodiment, the top surfaces420 of the columns 414 and/or the second portions 412 may compress onlywhen the pressure applied on the grip zone is the same as or above thethreshold pressure, i.e., the pressure at which the columns and/or thesecond portions 412 begin to compress.

In an exemplary embodiment of the compressed configuration shown in FIG.4B, the feet and/or hands of a user may apply the threshold pressurethat triggers the compression of only the second portions 412, whereasthe top surfaces 420 of the columns 414 remain in the uncompressedconfiguration. In various embodiments, the material of the secondportions 412 may be chosen to be of sufficient stiffness such that theywill not compress until the threshold pressure is achieved. The arrowsshown in FIG. 4B represent the pressure applied on the grip zone. In theembodiment disclosed in FIG. 4B, the compression of the second portions412 may facilitate the engagement of the columns 414 with the hands/feetof the user to offer both support and traction to the hands/feet. Thesupport to the hands/feet may be provided in a direction perpendicularto the top surface 408 of the first layer 402. Also, the traction to thehands/feet may be provided in a direction tangential to the top surface408. The traction and support, thus developed under pressure, may stillmaintain a comfortable level for hands and feet while gliding over thegrip zone of the mat 400. In other words, the mat 400 is able to offerthe required fraction and support (i.e., in the compressedconfiguration) to the user without compromising smooth movements betweenthe yoga poses (i.e., in the uncompressed configuration).

Further, when the pressure is removed from the grip zone or the pressureapplied is below the threshold pressure, the second portions 412 mayreturn to their original positions and conceal the columns 414 asillustrated in FIG. 4A.

FIGS. 5A and 5B depict compressed and uncompressed configurations of amat 500, in accordance with a second embodiment of the presentdisclosure. Various elements or configurations in this embodiment arethe same as that disclosed in conjunction with FIGS. 4A and 4B, exceptthat columns 502 are constructed differently. The individual columns 502are formed by pouring the liquid elastomer into the openings 418 andcuring the elastomer. As a result, the sides of the columns 502 arebonded to the sides of the openings 418. Further, as illustrated in FIG.5B, the sides of the openings 418 are only partially compressed andthus, only a small portion of the columns 502 is exposed to the topsurface 408 of the first layer 402 when subjected to pressure equal toor greater than the threshold pressure. However, portions of theindividual second portions 412 of the top surface 408 of the first layer402 surrounding the columns 502 compress such that the columns 502protrude further than the surrounding portions of the individual secondportions 412, thereby providing increased grip and traction. Further,when the pressure is removed from the grip zone or the pressure appliedis below the threshold pressure, the second portions 412 may return totheir original positions and conceal the columns 502 as illustrated inFIG. 5A. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the surface 422 defined byconnecting the top surfaces 420 of the columns 414 is planar.

FIGS. 6A and 6B depict compressed and uncompressed configurations of amat 600, in accordance with a third embodiment of the presentdisclosure. Various elements or configurations in this embodiment arethe same as that disclosed in conjunction with FIGS. 4A and 4B, exceptthat columns 602 are formed of a material that is more compressible thanthe material used to form the second portions 412 of the top surface 408of the first layer 402. As a result, as illustrated in FIG. 6B, topsurfaces of the columns 502 depress or compress more than the secondportions 412 in response to the pressure applied on the grip zone. Inone embodiment, the threshold pressure at which the columns 502 maybegin to compress may be different from the threshold pressure at whichthe second portions 412 may begin to compress. Alternatively, in anotherembodiment, the threshold pressures for both the columns 502 and thesecond portions 412 may be the same; however, the columns 502 maycompress more than the second portions 412 at the same thresholdpressure due to the difference in their materials. As shown in FIG. 6B,the top surfaces of the columns 602 are below the second portions 412,thereby exposing the edges of the openings 418. Therefore, when theuser's hands or feet contact these edges, improved traction is providedin a direction tangential to the top surface 408 of the first layer 402.

Further, when the downward pressure is removed or it is below thethreshold pressure, the top surfaces of the columns 602 may return totheir original positions, concealing the edges of the openings 418 asillustrated in FIG. 6A. This enables the user to perform smooth andunobstructed movement between the yoga poses over the mat 600. In theembodiment described in conjunction with FIGS. 6A and 6B, the topsurfaces of some or all of the columns 602 may have a lower tractionthan that of the second portions 412. As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, thesurface 422 defined by connecting the top surfaces 420 of the columns414 is planar.

FIGS. 7A and 7B depict the compressed and uncompressed configurations ofa mat 700, in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the presentdisclosure. Various elements or configurations in this embodiment arethe same as that disclosed in conjunction with FIGS. 4A and 4B, exceptthat the top surfaces of columns 702 a-k have different shapes. As shownin FIGS. 7A and 7B, a surface 704 defined by connecting the top surfacesof the columns 702 a-k is represented by a contoured line (non-planar).In this embodiment, top surfaces of the columns 702 a-k depress orcompress less than the second portions 412 in response to the pressureapplied on the grip zone. In one embodiment, the threshold pressure atwhich the columns 702 a-k may begin to compress may be different fromthe threshold pressure at which the second portions 412 may begin tocompress. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the threshold pressuresfor both the columns 702 a-k and the second portions 412 may be thesame; however, the columns 702 a-k may compress less than the secondportions 412 at the same threshold pressure due to the difference intheir materials. As shown in FIG. 7B, which represents the compressedconfiguration, the top surfaces of the columns 702 a-k are above thesecond portions 412. Even in the compressed configuration, the columns702 a-k define the contoured surface 704, in which the heights of thetop surfaces of the columns 702 a-k are different. In variousembodiments, the contoured surface 704 may provide a more comfortableand stable surface for yoga positions.

FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C depict the compressed and uncompressedconfigurations of a mat 800, in accordance with a fifth embodiment ofthe present disclosure. Various elements or configurations in thisembodiment are the same as that disclosed in conjunction with FIGS. 4Aand 4B, except that a first set of columns 802 and a second set ofcolumns 804 have different heights. As shown in FIG. 8A, whichrepresents the uncompressed configuration of the mat 800, the first setof the columns 802 are at a height lower than the height of the secondset of columns 804. As shown in FIGS. 8A-8C, a surface 808 defined byconnecting the top surfaces of the columns 802 and 804 is represented bya staggered line (non-planar). In this embodiment, only the secondportions 412 compress in response to the pressure applied on the gripzone. FIG. 8B represents the case in which a pressure P1 applied on thegrip zone is the same as or above the threshold pressure at which thesecond portions 412 begin to compress. The pressure P1 results in thesecond set of columns 804 to be triggered and hence, only the second setof columns 804 protrude above the top surface 408 of the first layer302. Further, FIG. 8C represents the case in which a pressure P2 isapplied on the grip zone. In an embodiment, the pressure P2 may begreater than the pressure P1 and may trigger the first set of columns802 (in addition to the second set of columns 804). As shown in FIG. 8C,both the first and second sets of columns 802 and 804 protrude above thetop surface 408 of the first layer 302. Even in the compressedconfiguration, the columns 802 and 804 define the staggered surface 808in which the heights of the columns 802 and 804 are different.Therefore, the staggered surface 808 facilitates in effectively varyingthe column density based on the applied pressure so that only somecolumns (i.e., the second set of columns 804) are activated under lightpressure, and all the columns (i.e., the columns 802 and 804) areactivated under greater pressure.

FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C, and 9D depict components of a mat 900, in accordancewith a first embodiment of the present disclosure. The mat 900 includesa first layer 902 (FIG. 9A) and a bottom layer 904 (FIG. 9B). The firstlayer 902 includes a top surface 908. The first layer 902 may be made ofa material such as compressible foam or any other material that isdurable and light. Further, the hardness of the material constitutingthe first layer 902 may also vary in durometer and foam density based onthe requirements. Further, the bottom layer 904 may be made of the samematerial (i.e., compressible foam or any other material that offersdurability and lightness) as that is used to form the first layer 902.The thickness of the first layer 902 and the bottom layer 904 may varybased on the requirements. In an exemplary embodiment, the thickness ofthe first layer 902 and the bottom layer 904 may each be 2 to 4millimeters (mm).

The top surface 908 of the first layer 902 may include one or more firstportions 910 (shown by dashed lines in FIGS. 9A and 9D). The top surface908 of the first layer 902 in the grip zones (other than the one or morefirst portions 910) forms one or more second portions 912. As shown inFIG. 9A, the second portions 912 are the portions on the top surface 908of the first layer 902 in the grip zone that are disposed between thefirst portions 910. In various embodiments, openings 914 may be formedthrough the one or more first portions 910. As shown in FIG. 9C, the mat900 further includes a first elastomeric grip component 918 and a secondelastomeric grip component 920. The first elastomeric grip component 918is a thin layer of elastomer, which connects grip elements such ascolumns 922. Similarly, the second elastomeric grip component 920connects columns 924. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the artthat although FIG. 9C illustrates only four columns in each elastomericgrip component, any number of columns may be connected in each suchcomponent. Also, it will be apparent to a person skilled in the art thatany number of elastomeric grip components may be used in variousembodiments of the present disclosure. Further, as shown in FIG. 9D, thefirst and second elastomeric grip components 918 and 920 (of a specificshape and size) are configured in such a manner that their majorportions may fit into the openings 914 formed in the first layer 902 andthe remaining portions may fix into first and second embossed regions928 and 930 in the bottom layer 904. The columns 922 and 924 may bemolded into any shape and size that may fit into the openings 914 andthe first and second embossed regions 928 and 930.

It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the mat 900 mayinclude any number of layers based on the requirement and utility of themat 900.

FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 10C depict components of a bottomless mat 1000(hereinafter the mat 1000), in accordance with a second embodiment ofthe present disclosure. The mat 1000 is referred to as bottomless sinceit is formed of a single layer (i.e., the first layer 902) without theneed of a bottom layer. Various elements (in terms of theirfunctionalities and configurations) disclosed in FIG. 10A are the sameas that in FIG. 9A, except that the thickness of the first layer 902 ofthe mat 1000 may be greater than that of the first layer 902 of the mat900. In an exemplary embodiment, the thickness of the first layer 902may be 3 to 6 mm.

As shown in FIG. 10B, the mat 1000 further includes an elastomeric gripcomponent 1002, which is a thin layer of elastomer connecting gripelements such as a first set of columns 1004 and a second set of columns1008. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that althoughFIG. 10B illustrates only four columns in each set of columns, anynumber of columns may be used. Further, as shown in FIG. 10C, theelastomeric grip component 1002 (of a specific shape and size) isconfigured in such a manner that it may fit into the openings 914 formedin the first layer 902 and the bottom of the elastomeric grip component1002, thereby covering the entire bottom of the mat 1000. In variousembodiments, the first and second sets of columns 1004 and 1008 may bemolded into any shape and size that may fit into the openings 914.

FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C depict components of a bottomless mat 1100(hereinafter the mat 1100), in accordance with a third embodiment of thepresent disclosure. The mat 1100 is referred to as bottomless since itis formed of a single layer (i.e., the first layer 902) without the needof a bottom layer. Various elements (in terms of their functionalitiesand configurations) disclosed in FIG. 11A are the same as that in FIG.9A, except that the first layer of the mat 1100 also includes first andsecond embossed regions 1102 and 1104, and the thickness of the firstlayer 902 of the mat 1100 may be greater than that of the first layer902 of the mat 900 or 1000. The greater thickness of the first layer 902of the mat 1100 may be attributed to the first and second embossedregions 1102 and 1104 that cover the additional space in the first layer902. In an exemplary embodiment, the thickness of the first layer 902may be 4 to 8 mm.

FIG. 11B illustrates the first elastomeric grip component 918 and thesecond elastomeric grip component 920 as described and illustrated inFIG. 9C. Further, as shown in FIG. 11C, the first and second elastomericgrip components 918 and 920 (of a specific shape and size) areconfigured in such a manner that their major portions may fit into theopenings 914 formed in the first layer 902 and the remaining portion(bottom portion of these components) may fix into first and secondembossed regions 1102 and 1104 in the first layer 902. The columns 922and 924 may be molded into any shape and size that may fit into theopenings 914 and the first and second embossed regions 1102 and 1104.

It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that any other design(shape and/or size) of the mat and its components is possible withoutdeviating from the scope of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 12A and 12B depict the compressed and uncompressed configurationsof a mat 1200, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. FIG. 12A depicts the uncompressed configuration of the mat1200. Various elements (in terms of in their functionalities andconfigurations) disclosed in FIG. 12A are the same as that in FIG. 4A,except that a traction layer 1202 (shown by straight vertical lines inFIGS. 12A and 12B) is disposed between the first layer 402 and thebottom layer 404. Since the traction layer 1202 may function as, and mayin fact be, a single column disposed proximate to the openings 418 ofthe first layer 402, in FIG. 12A there are no columns 414 disposed inthe openings 418 as shown in FIG. 4A. The traction layer 1202 is formedof an elastomer (similar to the columns 414 in FIG. 4A) and may beintroduced below the openings 418 formed through the first portions 410.

The traction layer 1202 may be formed of a high-traction material suchthat the top surface of the traction layer 1202 has a higher tractionthan the one or more second portions 120 of the top surface 102 of thefirst layer 104. In various embodiments, the traction layer 1202 may beformed of a material that is less or equally compressible than thematerial used to form the second portions 412 of the top surface 408 ofthe first layer 402. In an exemplary embodiment as illustrated in FIG.12B, the top surface of the traction layer 1202 depresses or compressesto the same level as does the second portions 412 in response to thepressure applied on the grip zone. The arrows shown in FIG. 12Brepresent the pressure applied on the grip zone. In the compressedconfiguration, the user's hands or feet may contact some portion of thetraction layer 1202 that is exposed to the user's hands or feet throughthe openings 418. This may result in the mat 1200 offering both supportand traction to the hands/feet of the user. The fraction and support,thus developed under pressure, may still maintain a comfortable levelfor hands and feet while gliding over the grip zone of the mat 1200.

Further, another objective of the present disclosure is to provide atowel that may offer the required traction and stability to a userwithout compromising smooth movements between yoga poses. In variousembodiments, the towel may be disposed above any of the mats describedabove. In one embodiment, the towel may be any ordinary towel. Inanother embodiment, the towel used may be the towel as described belowin conjunction with FIGS. 13A-13C and FIGS. 15A-15B. In yet anotherembodiment, the towel disposed above the mat may be wet. In any case,the mat may provide the required traction and support to the user'shands/feet using the columns that may provide traction/support eventhrough the towel.

FIGS. 13A, 13B, and 13C depict compressed and uncompressedconfigurations of a towel 1300, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent disclosure. FIGS. 13A and 13B depict the uncompressedconfiguration of the towel 1300, whereas the FIG. 13C depicts thecompressed configuration. In one embodiment, the towel 1300 may beplaced on top of a mat (such as the mat 100) at various points to absorbsweat and prevent slipping of body parts during yoga practice.Alternatively, in another embodiment, the towel 1300 may be used as astandalone product such as, but not limited to, a bath towel. Variousembodiments described below in conjunction with FIGS. 13A, 13B, and 13Cto FIGS. 14A and 14B only disclose various detailed views of a grip zoneof a towel (such as the grip zone of the mat 100). The towel 1300includes an absorption layer 1302 adapted to absorb moisture andcompressible regions 1304 of flexible fiber 1306 formed of a flexiblefirst material. In an exemplary embodiment, the flexible first materialmay be any of a number of natural and synthetic materials commonly usedin woven or non-woven fabrics.

The absorption layer 1302 has a top surface 1308. As shown in FIGS.13A-13C (the compressible regions 1304 of flexible fiber 1306 is notshown in FIG. 13A for clarity purposes), the top surface 1308 of theabsorption layer 1302 is same as the top surface of the towel 1300 sincethe absorption layer 1302 is the topmost layer in this embodiment. Thetop surface 1308 of the absorption layer 1302 in the grip zone mayinclude one or more first portions 1310. The top surface 1308 of theabsorption layer 1308 in the grip zone other than the one or more firstportions 1310 forms one or more second portions 1312. As shown in FIGS.13A-13C, the second portions 1312 are the portions on the top surface1308 of the absorption layer 1308 in the grip zone that are disposedbetween the first portions 1310. As shown in FIG. 13B, the compressibleregions 1304 of flexible fiber 1306 are disposed on the one or morefirst portions 1310. In accordance with various embodiments, thecompressible regions 1304 of flexible fiber 1306 may be of loop weaves,fiber pile, flocking, or the like. The flexible fiber 1306 mayfacilitate the absorption of moisture/sweat owing to a large surfacearea exposed to the moisture/sweat. The flexible fiber 1306 may alsoprovide a soft touch to the user. It must be appreciated by a personskilled in the art that though the flexible fibers 1306 are shown asstraight lines, various other shapes of the flexible fibers 1306 such ascircular, semi-circular, and the like may also be possible withoutlimiting the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Further, the towel 1300 includes one or more columns 1318 disposed onthe one or more second portions 1312. Between the compressible regions1304 of flexible fiber 1306 are portions where the fiber is abbreviatedor cut to create the relief pattern that in turn provides a surface(such as the one or more second portions 1312) upon which the tractionmaterial such as the one or more columns 1318 may be applied. The one ormore columns 1318 may be made of a second material such as a wovenfabric, a non-woven fabric, an elastomer, or the like. The shape of theone or more columns 1318 may be cylindrical, square, rectangle, or thelike, with defined lengths and widths of the columns such that atraction pattern is created. The traction pattern may provide tractionto the user's body parts contacting the grip zone of the towel 1300. Inaccordance with various embodiments, the configuration of the fractionpattern may vary based on the requirements. The traction pattern may beuniform or non-uniform. FIGS. 13A-13C illustrate one of the exemplaryembodiments, in which the shape of the one or more columns 1318 isrectangular.

The one or more columns 1318 include top surfaces 1320 that may beconfigured to be disposed below one or more portions of top surfaces1322 of the compressible regions 1304 of flexible fiber 1306 in theuncompressed configuration. The configuration in which the compressibleregions 1304 of flexible fiber 1306 are in an uncompressed state (i.e.,the pressure applied on the grip zone is below the threshold pressure)is interchangeably referred to as an uncompressed configuration. FIG.13B illustrates one of the exemplary embodiments, in which the topsurfaces 1320 of the one or more columns 1318 are disposed below the topsurfaces 1322 of the compressible regions 1304 of flexible fiber 1306.As shown in FIG. 13B, a surface 1324 defined by connecting the topsurfaces 1320 of the one or more columns 1318 is planar. However, atowel having a non-planar surface may be similarly deployed withoutlimiting the scope of the present disclosure. The non-planar surface ofthe towel in that case will be similar to that described above invarious embodiments of the mat (such as the mat 700 or 800).

Further, FIG. 13C illustrates the compressed configuration in which thecompressible regions 1304 of flexible fiber 1306 are configured to bedepressed or compressed when a user applies pressure during standingposes or any other activity that involves contact of the user's bodyparts with the grip zone. The configuration in which the pressureapplied on any portion of the grip zone facilitates the compressibleregions 1304 of flexible fiber 1306 to be compressed is hereinafterreferred to as a compressed configuration. As shown in FIG. 13C, the topsurfaces 1320 of the one or more columns 1318 are configured to bedisposed above the top surfaces 1322 of the compressible regions 1304 offlexible fiber 1306 due to the applied pressure. The arrows shown inFIG. 13C represent the pressure applied on the grip zone. In anembodiment, the compressible regions 1304 of flexible fiber 1306 maycompress only when pressure applied on the grip zone is the same as orabove a threshold pressure, i.e., the pressure at which the compressibleregions 1304 of flexible fiber 1306 begins to compress. In variousembodiments, the material, shape, thickness and density of the flexiblefibers 1306 may be chosen such that the compressible regions 1304 offlexible fiber 1306 will not compress until the threshold pressure isachieved.

The compressed configuration may provide support (or stability) to thebody parts that contact in a direction perpendicular to the top surface1308 of the absorption layer 1308, and traction to the body parts thatcontact in a direction tangential to the top surface 1308. The supportand traction are provided using the fraction pattern created by the oneor more columns 1318, which may engage with the hands/feet of the userin the compressed configuration. The traction and support, thusdeveloped under pressure, may still maintain a comfortable level forhands and feet while gliding over the grip zone of the towel 1300. Inother words, the towel 1300 is able to offer the required traction andsupport to the user without compromising smooth movements between theyoga poses.

The perspective view of the towel 1300 may be similar to the mat 100,except that the towel 1300 includes the absorption layer 1302 adapted toabsorb moisture (instead of the first layer 104), and the one or morecolumns 1318 disposed on the one or more second portions 1312 of the topsurface of the absorption layer (instead of being disposed in orproximate to the openings formed through the one or more first portions118). Additionally, the towel 1300 also includes the compressibleregions 1304 of flexible fiber 1306. The towel 1300 may include the gripzones provided proximate to the opposite ends of the top surface 1308 ofthe absorption layer 1302 (similar to the opposite ends 108 and 110 ofthe top surface 102 of the mat 100). In another embodiment, the gripzones may be provided on the entire top surface 108 to provideadditional traction.

The one or more columns 1318 may include non-repeating patternsincluding silicone rubber, various elastomers or other high-tractionmaterials. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the high-tractionmaterial may be directly embedded below the top surface 1322 of thecompressible regions 1304 of flexible fibers 1306. The height differencebetween the top surfaces 1320 of the one or more columns 1318 and thecompressible regions 1304 of flexible fiber 1306 may be defined based onthe traction requirements and the application of external pressure. Theembedded non-repeating patterns of high-traction material may ensurebetter grip during yoga positions and postures.

The traction pattern in the one or more columns 1318 may be generatedwith the use of one or more continuous threads of a high-tractionmaterial. The material used for these threads be a rubber, silicone, orany other elastomer that may offer sufficient traction. In accordancewith various embodiments, several other types of traction materials maybe utilized to provide stitched patterns. In various embodiments, thesethreads may be stitched on the top surface 1308 of the absorption layer1302 to form the one or more columns 1318. There can also be a bottomlayer that is waterproof or moisture resistant and/or has tractionproperties for adhering to a mat or the floor.

Another objective of the present disclosure is to provide a towel thatmay absorb sweat and prevent slipping once hands and feet are moist, andalso protect the mat (such as the mat 100) from absorbing perspiration.In embodiments, the towel 1300 may include a moisture barrier orwaterproofing layer or connection grip layer that may be disposed belowthe absorption layer 1302. This moisture barrier may be formed of awaterproof material. In embodiments, the waterproofing layer may becoated in a material that provides fraction, such as silicone or manyother plastic, rubber or other resins. The second layer 304 may beadapted to reduce sweat and moisture of the user from penetratingbeneath the towel 1300 when the towel 1300 is disposed above the mat100. This may facilitate in maintaining the mat 100 in sanitarycondition. The silicone or other impermeable coating may providegripping and sticking capability to the moisture barrier, therebycreating a connection between the mat 100 and the towel 1300. This mayprovide stability to the towel 1300 during various flow sequences of theuser, especially during a gliding motion. In addition, the moisturebarrier may connect the towel 1300 and the mat 100 with an additionalsurface area. Further, the weight of the waterproof material and/or thesilicone coating may provide additional traction to avoid bunching andscrunching of the towel 1300. Further, the stiffness of the waterproofmaterial and/or silicone coating may encourage the towel 1300 to lieflat and stable against the mat 100 thereby minimizing the sliding andbunching that plagues the towels on the market today. The two-layerconstruction of the towel 1300 may increase its weight, therebystabilizing the towel 1300 on the mat 100 during yoga practice.

In accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure, themoisture barrier may be formed of rip-stop nylon with bottom high-grippolyurethane coating. However, it must be appreciated by a personordinarily skilled in the art that various other materials may beutilized in the formation and construction of the moisture barrier. Thepermeability of the moisture barrier may vary based on the requirements.

FIG. 14 depicts coupling between a towel 1402 and a mat 1404, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring toFIG. 14, the towel 1402 may have slits 1408 to enable attachment to themat 1404. In an embodiment, the corners of the mat 1404 may be pulledthrough some or all the slits 1408 of the towel 1402 to enable securingthe towel 1402 to the mat 1404 and forming a mat/towel assembly 1410. Inan embodiment, the mat 1404 may alternatively or additionally have slitsto enable pulling the corners of the towel 1402 through the mat 1404slits. In embodiments, the corners of the towel 1402 may additionally besecured to the mat 1404 through any number of attachment or fastenermechanisms, such as a hook and loop fastener, a removable adhesive, abutton, a snap, a zipper, and the like.

Similarly, in accordance with various other embodiments of the presentdisclosure, several other kinds of coupling mechanisms may be utilizedwithout limitations for coupling the towel 1402 and the mat 1404 to forman integrated mat/towel assembly. The mat towel 1402 and the mat 1404may be any towel and mat, respectively, as described above in variousembodiments of the present disclosure. Alternatively, in anotherembodiment, the towel 1402 may be any ordinary towel, whereas the mat1404 may be the mat of the present disclosure. Alternatively, in yetanother embodiment, the towel 1402 may be the towel of the presentdisclosure, whereas the mat 1404 may be any ordinary mat.

FIGS. 15A and 15B depict compressed and uncompressed configurations of atowel 1500, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG. 15A depicts the uncompressed configuration of the towel 1500,whereas the FIG. 15B depicts the compressed configuration. Variouselements (in terms of in their functionalities and configurations)disclosed in FIGS. 15A and 15B are the same as that in FIGS. 13B and13C, respectively, except that the towel 1500 includes one or morecolumns 1502 disposed in openings 1504 (instead of the one or morecolumns 1318 disposed on the one or more second portions 1312) formedthrough the one or more second portions 1312 of the top surface 1308 ofthe absorption layer 1302. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the oneor more columns 1502 may be disposed proximate to the openings 1504(similar to that done in the mat embodiments described earlier).Further, the towel 1500 includes a bottom layer 1508 formed of ahigh-traction material. As illustrated in FIGS. 15A and 15B, the bottomlayer 1508 is disposed below the absorption layer 1302. In someembodiments, the bottom layer 1508 may have a higher density than thatof the absorption layer 1302. In an embodiment, the bottom layerattached to the absorption layer 1302 may facilitate in trapping the oneor more columns 1502 into the towel 1500.

As shown in FIG. 15B, a surface 1510 defined by connecting top surfaces1512 of the one or more columns 1502 is planar. However, a towel thathas such a surface as non-planar may be similarly deployed withoutlimiting the scope of the present disclosure. The non-planar surface ofthe towel in that case will be similar to that described above invarious embodiments of the mat (such as the mat 700 or 800).

In accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure, thetowel 1300 or 1402 or 1500 may be customized based on specificrequirements. The traction pattern created by a high traction materialmay be designed accordingly. For example, the high traction material mayform a continuous pattern throughout the grip zone in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure. In another embodiment, the hightraction material may form a discontinuous pattern and may be embeddedin discrete units. In yet another embodiment, a high-traction coatingmay be applied to offer the required traction and grip.

In accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure, thecolors of the towel 1300 or 1402 or 1500 and various layers such as theabsorption layer 1302, the moisture barrier 304, and the one or morecolumns 1318 may vary based on user preferences. The hardness of the oneor more columns 1318 may vary in durometer based on requirements. Forexample, the hardness of the columns may be 20 Shore A, in accordancewith an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 depicts the compressed configuration of a grip apparatus 1600during standing and stationary posture, in accordance with an embodimentof the present disclosure. The grip apparatus 1600 may be a towel, amat, or the like. As an exemplary scenario, FIG. 16 is describedconsidering the grip apparatus 1600 to be a mat. As shown in FIG. 16,the standing posture is a single-footed standing posture typical ofyoga. The grip apparatus 1600 includes a top surface 1602. The gripapparatus 1600 further includes a first layer 1604, which may be made ofa material such as compressible foam or any other material that iscompressible, durable and light. As shown in FIG. 16, the grip apparatus1600 only includes a single layer, i.e., the first layer 1604.Therefore, in this case, the top surface 1602 of the grip apparatus 1600will be the same as the top surface of the first layer 1604.

The top surface 1602 may include one or more traction surface regionsdefined in the area where user's hands and/or feet come in contact withthe grip apparatus 1600. FIG. 16 shows one such case where a user's foot1608 comes in contact with a traction surface region 1610. The tractionsurface region 1610 may be designed in such a way that they may providestability (or support) to the user's foot 1608 during the standing andstationary posture. In accordance with various embodiments, the tractionsurface region 1610 may be composed of a material or have a surfaceroughness that may offer frictional resistance to the foot 1608 in adirection perpendicular to the top surface 1602 of the grip apparatus1600 or the first layer 1604. Additionally, the traction surface region1610 may be configured to provide traction to the user's foot 1608during movements and postures, thereby avoiding users from any feelingof unsteadiness, distraction, and frustration.

The top surface 1602 of the first layer 1604 in the traction surfaceregion 1610 may include one or more first portions 1612. The top surface1602 in the traction surface region 1610 other than the first portions1612 forms one or more second portions 1614. As shown in FIG. 16, thesecond portions 1614 are disposed between the first portions 1612.

In various embodiments, openings 1618 may be formed through the one ormore first portions 1612. As shown in FIG. 16, one or more columns 1620formed of a thermoplastic elastomer such as a rubber or any othersynthetic material may be disposed in the openings 1618. In variousembodiments, top surfaces 1622 of the columns 1620 may be formed of atraction material that may offer traction higher or lower than thatoffered by the fraction material used to form the second portions 1614(i.e., the first layer 1604). As described in accordance with variousembodiments described earlier (e.g., as shown and described inconjunction with FIGS. 7A and 8A), the top surfaces 1622 of some or allthe columns 1620 may be below the top surface 1602 of the first layer1604 (or the second portions 1614) in the uncompressed configuration.Further, as shown in FIG. 16, the second portions 1614 may compress whenthe user applies pressure during the standing pose or any other activitythat involves contact of the user's foot 1608 with the traction surfaceregion 1610. In the embodiment disclosed in FIG. 16, the second portions1614 depress substantially more than the top surfaces 1622 of thecolumns 1620 in the compressed configuration. Therefore, the compressionof the second portions 1614 may facilitate the engagement of some or allthe columns 1620 with the foot 1608 to offer support to the user. Thecolumns 1620 are able to provide support to the foot 1608 by causing theresistance to movement of the foot 1608 in a direction perpendicular tothe top surface 1602 of the first layer 1604. The columns 1620, beingmore rigid than the first layer 1604, provide more stability/supportthan the cushioning first layer 1604 when the columns 1620 engage withthe foot 1608, thus improving the user's balance.

It must be appreciated by a person ordinarily skilled in the art thatthough the disclosure has been described in terms of yoga, the presentdisclosure may be utilized equally for other activities, forms ofexercising, sporting and the like without limiting the spirit and scopeof the present disclosure. A grip apparatus similar to the mat (such asthe mat 100) or the towel (such as the towel 1300) disclosed in thepresent disclosure may be used in various applications. In an exemplaryembodiment, the grip apparatus may be adapted to form an outside surfaceof at least a portion of a glove, a sock, a bat, a hockey stick, aracquet, or the like. In another exemplary embodiment, the gripapparatus may be a strip or a tape.

The present disclosure described above has several applications andadvantages, some of which are stated below without limitations.

An advantage of the present disclosure is that the mat and the towel mayincrease the performance of a user or a yogi.

Another advantage of the present disclosure is that the mat and thetowel may be used in heated and cooled environments without compromisingthe performance.

Yet another advantage of the present disclosure is that the mat mayinclude different areas with differentiated construction patterns basedon varying requirements on different locations of the mat.

Still another advantage of the present disclosure is that the mat mayprovide the required traction to a user without compromising glide. Therequired traction may be provided in the prevalent areas of the matbased on requirements. Therefore, a user may get a neutral tactile feelduring movements and postures, thereby avoiding any distraction duringyoga practice. Further, the mat may provide comfort and stability,especially during standing and stationary postures such as thechallenging single-footed standing posture and the like. The tractionmay be provided to the mat while still achieving lightness andportability. Furthermore, the mat may create an additional traction tothe floor surface, and also protect and keep the mat clean.

Still another advantage of the present disclosure is that the mat mayprovide the desired stiffness and cushioning effect without compromisingportability.

Still another advantage of the present disclosure is that the mat mayachieve a limited sweat condition to keep the mat clean over time andalso offer a waterproofing impact to the mat.

Still another advantage of the present disclosure is that the towel mayabsorb sweat and prevent slipping once hands and feet are moist, andprotect the mat from absorbing perspiration. The towel may also includea moisture barrier that may keep the moisture from penetrating into andonto the mat from the towel. The moisture barrier may further connectthe towel and the mat with more surface area, thereby avoiding bunchingand scrunching.

Still another advantage of the present disclosure is that the towel mayprovide sufficient topside traction, especially in the hands and feetarea without compromising glide. The traction may be delivered only onapplication of an external pressure that may further allow the user toglide comfortably. Further, the towel may provide sufficient grip on thebottom side to make it stable on the mat.

Still another advantage of the present disclosure is that the towel mayinclude multiple layers that may increase the towel weight and stiffnessand further stabilize it on the mat surface.

Still another advantage of the present disclosure is that the gripapparatus may increase the performance of a user.

Another advantage of the present disclosure is that the grip apparatusmay be used in heated and cooled environments without compromising theperformance.

Yet another advantage of the present disclosure is that the gripapparatus may include different areas with differentiated constructionpatterns based on varying requirements on different locations of thegrip apparatus.

Still another advantage of the present disclosure is that the gripapparatus may provide traction without compromising glide. The requiredfraction may be provided in the prevalent areas of the mat based onrequirements. Therefore, a user may get a neutral tactile feel duringuse, thereby avoiding any distraction. Further, the grip apparatus mayprovide comfort and stability during use.

Still another advantage of the present disclosure is that the gripapparatus may absorb sweat and prevent slipping once hands are moist,and protect the grip from absorbing perspiration. The grip apparatus mayalso include a moisture barrier that may keep the moisture frompenetrating into and onto the object being gripped.

Still another advantage of the present disclosure is that the gripapparatus may provide sufficient traction without compromising smooth,unobstructed movement. The traction may be delivered only on applicationof an external pressure that may further allow the user to change grippositions comfortably and without distraction.

In an embodiment described in conjunction with FIG. 2, the first layer104's grip zone and the second layer are separated by the elastomericgrip component 204. FIG. 17 depicts a perspective view of an alternativelayered structure of the grip zone of a mat 1700 or for use in areversible grip apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent disclosure. As shown in FIG. 17, the grip zone of the mat 1700includes a top layer 1702 with an array of openings 1704 (hereinafterreferred to as ‘openings 1704’), a second layer such as a bottom layer1708, and a grip component 1710 molded or formed of an elastomer or aflexible polymeric material. The grip component 1710 may include anarray of columns 1712 (hereinafter referred to as ‘columns 1712’),flanges 1714 that extend horizontally outwards from the bottom ends ofeach of the columns 1712, and connecting segments 1718 that connect theflanges 1714 of the columns 1712. The undersides (not shown) of thecolumns 1712 may be hollow to enhance their compressibility. The flanges1714 may prevent the columns 1712 from being removed from the mat 1700during use. In the exemplary embodiment, the thickness of the connectingsegments 1718 are equal to the thickness of the flanges 1714, althoughthe thickness of the connecting segments 1718 may be different from thethickness of the flanges 1714. Alternatively, the grip component 1710may not include flanges 1714 and the connecting segments 1718 maydirectly connect the columns 1712. The connecting segments 1718 mayalign the columns 1712 in a configuration that facilitates coupling thegrip component 1710 through the bottom surface of the grip zone of thetop layer 1702 such that the columns 1712 fix into the openings 1704 ofthe top layer 1702. The flanges 1714 and the connecting segments 1718may form openings 1720 through the grip component 1710. The top surface1722 of the bottom layer 1708 and the bottom surface (not shown) of thetop layer 1702 may have embossed regions 1724 that correspond to theshape and at least a portion of the thickness of the flanges 1714 and ofthe connecting segments 1718 such that the top surface 1722 of thebottom layer 1708 and the bottom surface (not shown) of the top layer1702 directly contact one another when assembled with the grip component1710. Alternatively, only the top surface 1722 of the bottom layer 1708or only the bottom surface (not shown) of the top layer 1702 may havethe embossed regions 1724. Alternatively, neither the bottom surface(not shown) of the top layer 1702 nor the top surface 1722 of the bottomlayer 1708 may have embossed regions, in which case the direct contactbetween the top layer 1702 and the bottom layer 1708 occurs when the toplayer 1702 and the bottom layer 1708 compress in the regionscorresponding to the flanges 1714 and the connecting segments 1718 ofthe grip component 1710. The top layer 1702 and the bottom layer 1708may be bonded together in the areas where they make direct contact withan adhesive, by a bonding process involving heat or solvents, or withany other feature or by any other process that may securely join the toplayer 1702 and the bottom layer 1708. The direct contact between the toplayer 1702 and the bottom layer 1708 may enhance the feel and increasethe apparent compressibility of the top layer 1702 during use, and mayalso enhance the adhesion between the top layer 1702 and the bottomlayer 1708, thereby improving the overall durability of the mat 1700.

In the embodiment described in conjunction with FIG. 17, the gripcomponent 1710 includes columns 1712, flanges 1714 and connectingsegments 1718 that may be molded or formed together of the samematerial. Alternatively, the connecting segments may be of a differentmaterial or materials and may be made by different processes than thecolumns. FIG. 18 depicts a perspective view of a layered structure ofthe grip zone of a mat 1800 or for use in a reversible grip apparatus,in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG. 18, the grip zone of the mat 1800 includes the top layer 1702 withthe openings 1704, the bottom layer 1708, and a grip component 1802. Thegrip component 1802 may include the columns 1712 and a connecting web1804 that connects all the columns 1712. The connecting web 1804 mayconsist of loosely-woven fibers such that there are spaces between thefibers, or be made of a woven fabric, a nonwoven fabric, or a thin sheetof material, with an array of openings stamped, cut or burned through.The columns 1712 may be molded or formed directly to the connecting web1804, or may be bonded to the connecting web 1804 with adhesive or by abonding process. Alternatively, the columns 1712 may be directly woveninto the connecting web 1804 during the weaving process. The spacesbetween the fibers of the connecting web 1804 may allow the top layer1702 and the bottom layer 1708 to directly contact one another. The toplayer 1702 and the bottom layer 1708 may be bonded together in the areaswhere they make direct contact, either with an adhesive, by a bondingprocess involving heat or solvents, or with any other feature or by anyother process that may securely join the top layer 1702 and the bottomlayer 1708. The direct contact between the top layer 1702 and the bottomlayer 1708 in the areas corresponding to the spaces between the fibersof the connecting web 1804 may enhance the feel and increase theapparent compressibility of the top layer 1702 during use, may increasethe overall flexibility of the mat 1800, thereby improve its rolling andunrolling characteristics, and may enhance the adhesion between the toplayer 1702 and the bottom layer 1708, thereby improving the overalldurability of the mat 1800.

In the embodiment described in conjunction with FIG. 1, the mat 100 maybe customized based on the user's requirements and preferences. It maybe advantageous for the two grip zones proximate to each end of a mat tohave characteristics that differ from one another. For example, thehands and feet may have different characteristics, including structure,shape, the ability to apply and tolerate load, pressure and friction,and need for stability. Accordingly, the grip zone characteristicsadvantageous for supporting, cushioning, stabilizing and providingtraction for the hands may differ significantly from the grip zonecharacteristics advantageous for supporting, cushioning, stabilizing andproviding traction for the feet. FIG. 19 depicts a perspective view of amat 1900, in accordance with various embodiments of the presentdisclosure. As shown in FIG. 19, the mat 1900 includes two grip zones1902 a and 1902 b on its top surface 1904, each grip zone 1902 a and1902 b having characteristics that differ from one another, inaccordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. Grip zone1902 a may be configured to provide enhanced support, cushioning,stabilization or fraction, or any combination thereof, for the user'shands. A grip zone adapted for the hands may have a relatively morecompressible top layer or bottom layer or grip columns to providerelatively more cushioning for the hands and fingertips. In an exemplaryembodiment, grip zone 1902 a may have grip columns with a Shore Adurometer in the range of 10 to 45. Alternatively, the top surfaces ofthe grip columns may have larger edge radii for the relatively moresensitive hands and fingertips. In an exemplary embodiment, the topsurfaces of the grip columns in grip zone 1902 a may have edge radii inthe range of 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm. Alternatively, a grip zone adapted forthe hands may have more grip columns per unit area of grip zone so as tobetter engage with the user's fingers. In an exemplary embodiment, gripzone 1902 a may have from 0.1 to 0.5 grip columns per square centimeter.Alternatively, a grip zone adapted for the hands may have grip columnswith smaller top surfaces so as to better engage with the user'sfingers. In an exemplary embodiment, grip zone 1902 a may have gripcolumns with top surfaces from 1 to 400 square millimeters in size.Alternatively, a grip zone adapted for the hands may have anycombination of a relatively more compressible top layer or bottom layeror grip columns, or larger edge radii on the top surfaces of the gripcolumns, or more grip columns per unit area of grip zone, or gripcolumns with smaller top surfaces, or any combination of features andcharacteristics, such as grip zone size, shape or location, grip columnsize or shape, grip column number, grip zone pattern, grip column topsurface profile, top layer or bottom layer material or characteristics,or grip column material, construction or compressibility, that enablethe grip zone to provide a better combination of traction, cushion,support and stability for the hands. The grip column top surface profilemay include ribs, indentations, raised areas, raised letters, indentedletters, raised or indented numerals, raised or indented icons, raisedor indented shapes, slopes, and the like. Grip zone 1902 b may beconfigured to provide enhanced support, cushioning, stabilization ortraction, or any combination thereof, for the user's feet. A grip zoneadapted for the feet may have a relatively less compressible top layeror bottom layer or grip columns to provide relatively more stability forstanding poses. In an exemplary embodiment, grip zone 1902 b may havegrip columns with a Shore A durometer in the range of 35 to 100.Alternatively, the top surfaces of the grip columns may have smalleredge radii for relatively greater engagement and traction. In anexemplary embodiment, the top surfaces of the grip columns in grip zone1902 b may have top surface edge radii in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.75mm. Alternatively, a grip zone adapted for the feet may have less gripcolumns per unit area of grip zone. In an exemplary embodiment, gripzone 1902 b may have from 0.04 to 0.2 grip columns per squarecentimeter. Alternatively, a grip zone adapted for the feet may havegrip columns with larger top surfaces. In an exemplary embodiment, gripzone 1902 b may have grip columns with top surfaces from 10 to 2500square millimeters in size. Alternatively, a grip zone adapted for thehands may have any combination of a relatively less compressible toplayer or bottom layer or grip columns, or smaller edge radii on the topsurfaces of the grip columns, or less grip columns per unit area of gripzone, or grip columns with larger top surfaces, or any combination offeatures and characteristics, such as grip zone size, shape or location,grip column size or shape, grip column number, grip zone pattern, gripcolumn top surface profile, top layer or bottom layer material orcharacteristics, or grip column material, construction orcompressibility, that enable the grip zone to provide a bettercombination of traction, cushion, support and stability for the feet.The top surface 1904 of the mat 1900 may include textual cues 1908 a and1908 b proximate to the grip zones 1902 a and 1902 b, respectively, toindicate the proper orientation for using the mat 1900. Users may orientthe mat such that the textual cues 1908 a and 1908 b are in the properorientation for reading. Alternatively, the top surface 1904 of the mat1900 may include graphic symbols or diagrams, or may be color coded, orthe grip zones 1902 a and 1902 b may have shapes or patterns, or anycombination thereof, to indicate the proper orientation for using themat 1900. The mat 1900 may provide enhanced overall performance becausegrip zone 1902 a is uniquely configured for the user's hands and gripzone 1902 b is uniquely configured for the user's feet.

A yoga mat with two different grip zone configurations may also allow asingle mat to address the differing grip needs of advanced users as wellas those of basic users. Advanced users may tend to support their upperbody weight with particular portions of their hands, such as with theirindex fingers and thumbs, which may result in relatively higherlocalized pressures and relatively greater localized deformation of themat. In contrast, basic users may tend to contact the mat more evenlywith the palms and fingers of their hands, which may result inrelatively lower localized pressures and relatively lower localizeddeformation of the mat. Advanced users may also tend to have greaterflexibility, so that the soles of their feet may contact the mat when incertain yoga poses such as the one commonly known as the downward facingdog pose. This may result in lower localized pressures and lowerlocalized deformation of the mat. In contrast, basic users may tend tohave limited flexibility and therefore may tend to contact the mat withonly their toes and the balls of their feet when in certain yoga posessuch as the one commonly known as the downward facing dog pose. This mayresult in higher localized pressures and greater localized deformationof the mat. Because advanced users may tend to support their upper bodyweight with portions of their hands and basic users may tend to supporttheir lower body weight with portions of their feet, and because bothmay result in relatively greater localized pressures and relativelygreater localized deformation of the mat, a grip zone adapted for thehands of advanced users may also be well adapted for the feet of basicusers. A grip zone adapted for the hands of advanced users and for thefeet of basic users may have a relatively larger number of grip columnsor relatively smaller grip columns to increase the incidence of contactwith grip edges, or the grip column surfaces facing the opposite gripzone may be concave to enhance engagement with portions of the hands andfeet, or the top layer or the bottom layer or the grip columns may berelatively less compressible to accommodate greater contact pressure, orthe top surfaces of the grip columns may be concave to better engagewith portions of the hands and feet, or the top surfaces of the gripcolumns may have larger edge radii to accommodate greater contactpressure, or any combination thereof or any combination of features andcharacteristics that enable the grip zone to provide a bettercombination of traction, cushion, support and stability for the hands ofadvanced users and the feet of basic users. Furthermore, because basicusers may tend to support their upper body weight relatively more evenlywith the palms and fingers of their hands, and advanced users may tendto support their lower body weight relatively more evenly with theirfeet, and because both may result in relatively lower localized contactpressures and relatively lower localized deformation of the mat, a gripzone adapted for the hands of basic users may also be well adapted forthe feet of advanced users. A grip zone adapted for the hands of basicusers and for the feet of advanced users may have a relatively smallernumber of grip columns or relatively larger grip columns, or the toplayer or the bottom layer or the grip columns may be relatively morecompressible, or the grip column surfaces facing the opposite grip zonemay be straight and normal to the direction of the opposite grip zone toenhance resistance to forces in the direction away from the oppositegrip zone, or the top surfaces of the grip columns may be flat or convexto better engage with the palms and soles, or the top surfaces of thegrip columns may have smaller edge radii to better engage with thesurfaces of the palms or the soles, or any combination thereof or anycombination of features and characteristics that enable the grip zone toprovide a better combination of traction, cushion, support and stabilityfor the hands of basic users and the feet of advanced users. Therefore,a mat with two different uniquely configured grip zones may providebenefits for advanced users when they use the mat oriented in onedirection, and may also provide benefits for basic users when they usethe mat oriented in the opposite direction.

FIG. 20 depicts a perspective view of a mat 2000, and FIGS. 21 and 22depict perspective views of the mat 2000 being used in the properorientation for basic users and for advanced users, respectively, inaccordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. As shownin FIG. 20, the mat 2000 includes grip zones 2002 a and 2002 b on itstop surface 2004, each grip zone 2002 a and 2002 b being configureddifferently from one another. Grip zone 2002 a is configured for thehands of advanced users and for the feet of basic users, and grip zone2002 b is configured for the hands of basic users and for the feet ofadvanced users. In an exemplary embodiment, grip zone 2002 a may havefrom 0.1 to 0.5 grip columns per square centimeter, or may have gripcolumns with top surfaces of 1 to 400 square millimeters in size, or mayhave grip columns with a Shore A durometer in the range of 35 to 100, orany combination thereof, and grip zone 2002 b may have from 0.04 to 0.2grip columns per square centimeter, or may have grip columns with topsurfaces of 10 to 2500 square millimeters in size, or may have gripcolumns with a Shore A durometer in the range of 10 to 45, or anycombination thereof. The top surface 2004 of the mat 2000 includestextual cues 2008 a and 2008 b proximate to the grip zones 2002 a and2002 b, respectively, to indicate the proper orientation for use byadvanced users and the proper orientation for use by basic users. Asshown in FIG. 21, basic users may orient the mat such that they thetextual cue for basic users 2008 b is in the proper orientation forreading, and as shown in FIG. 22, advanced users may orient the mat suchthat the textual cue for advanced users 2008 a is in the properorientation for reading. Alternatively, the top surface 2004 of the mat2000 may include graphical cues, or may be color coded, or the gripzones 2002 a and 2002 b may have shapes or patterns, or any combinationthereof, to indicate the proper orientation for use by advanced usersand the proper orientation for use by basic users.

FIGS. 23 and 24 depict top and bottom perspective views, respectively,of an alternative mat 2100 that addresses the particular cushioning,traction and stability needs of two different types of users with asingle yoga mat, in accordance with various embodiments of the presentdisclosure. As shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, the mat 2100 may have gripzones 2102 a and 2102 b on its top surface 2104 and grip zones 2108 aand 2108 b on its bottom surface 2110. The grip zones 2102 a and 2102 bon the top surface 2104 may be configured to provide optimal traction,cushion, support and stability for advanced users, whose hands and feetmay experience relatively less discomfort due to extensive practice andwho may benefit from greater traction when assuming more challengingyoga poses. Accordingly, grip zones 2102 a and 2102 b may haverelatively less compressible top layers, bottom layers, or grip columns,or the top surfaces of the grip columns may have smaller edge radii tobetter engage with the surfaces of the hands and the feet. In anexemplary embodiment, grip zones 2102 a and 2102 b may have grip columnswith a Shore A durometer in the range of 35 to 100, or may have gripswith top surface edge radii in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.75 mm, or acombination thereof, or any combination of features and characteristics,such as grip zone size, shape or location, grip column size or shape,grip column number, grip zone pattern, grip column top surface profile,top layer or bottom layer material or characteristics, or grip columnmaterial, construction or compressibility, that enable the grip zone toprovide a better combination of traction, cushion, support and stabilityfor advanced users. Grip zones 2108 a and 2108 b on the bottom surface2110 are configured to provide optimal traction, cushion, support andstability for basic users, who may appreciate a relatively greateramount of comfort and cushioning. Accordingly, grip zones 2102 a and2102 b may have relatively more compressible top layers, bottom layers,or grip columns, or the top surfaces of the grip columns may have largeredge radii to provide greater comfort. In an exemplary embodiment, gripzones 2108 a and 2108 b may have grip columns with a Shore A durometerin the range of 10 to 45, or may have grips with edge radii in the rangeof 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm, or a combination thereof, or any combination offeatures and characteristics, such as grip zone size, shape or location,grip column size or shape, grip column number, grip zone pattern, gripcolumn top surface profile, top layer or bottom layer material orcharacteristics, or grip column material, construction orcompressibility, that enable the grip zone to provide a bettercombination of traction, cushion, support and stability for basic users.

The top surface 2104 and the bottom surface 2110 may each have one ormore textual cues 2112 and 2114, respectively, to indicate the propersurface of the mat 2100 for use by advanced users and basic users,respectively.

In use, the advanced user would orient the mat 2100 such that the topsurface 2104, with the one or more textual cues 2112 indicating theproper surface for use by advanced users, is facing upward, and thebasic user would orient the mat 2100 such that its bottom surface 2110,with the one or more textual cues 2114, indicating the proper surfacefor use by basic users, is facing upward. Accordingly, the mat 2100 mayprovide optimal traction, cushion and stability for advanced users andfor basic users. As shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, the grip zones 2102 a and2102 b may be identical to one another and the grip zones 2108 a and2108 b may be identical to one another. Alternatively, the grip zones2102 a and 2102 b may each have different characteristics from oneanother, and the grip zones 2108 a and 2108 b may each have differentcharacteristics from one another, for example to provide an optimal gripzone for the hands of advanced users, for the feet of advanced users,for the hands of basic users and for the feet of basic users,respectively. Alternatively, the mat 2100 could be configured to provideoptimal traction, cushion and stability for two other types of users,such as smaller and larger users or lighter and heavier users, forexample. It may also be readily understood that a mat with grip zones onboth the top and bottom surfaces will have the added benefit of beingless prone to slipping on the floor during use, as the grip zones on theside of the mat that is facing downwards may provide improved tractionwith the floor.

FIG. 25 depicts a perspective view of a layered structure 2200 of a gripzone of a mat 2100, which can also be used in a reversible gripapparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.As shown in FIG. 25, the structure includes a top layer 2118 with anarray of openings 2120 (hereinafter referred to as ‘openings 2120’), asecond layer such as a bottom layer 2122 with an array of openings 2124(hereinafter referred to as ‘openings 2124’), a top grip component 2202and a bottom grip component 2204, both molded or formed of an elastomeror a flexible polymeric material. The top grip component 2202 mayinclude an array of columns 2208 (hereinafter referred to as ‘columns2208’), and the bottom grip component 2204 may include an array ofcolumns 2210 (hereinafter referred to as ‘columns 2210’). The columns2208 of the top grip component 2202 and the columns 2210 of the bottomgrip component 2204 may have different characteristics, including columnsize or shape, top surface profile, material, construction orcompressibility, or any combination thereof, that may enable therespective grip zones to provide better combinations of traction,cushion, support and stability for advanced users and basic users,respectively. In an exemplary embodiment, grip columns 2208 of the topgrip component 2202 may have a Shore A durometer in the range of 35 to100, or may have top surface edge radii in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.75mm, or a combination thereof, and grip columns 2210 of the bottom gripcomponent 2204 may have a Shore A durometer in the range of 10 to 45, ormay have top surface edge radii in the range of 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm, or acombination thereof. The columns 2208 of the top grip component 2202 andthe columns 2210 of the bottom grip element 2204 are in configurationsthat facilitate in coupling the top grip component 2202 through theopenings 2120 of the top layer 2118 and in coupling the bottom gripcomponent 2204 through the openings 2124 of the bottom layer 2122,respectively. This layered mat configuration may provide grip zones withdifferent grip characteristics on both the top surface 2104 and thebottom surface (not shown in this view) of the mat 2100.

FIG. 26 depicts a perspective view of an alternative layered structure2300 of a grip zone of a mat 2100, which can also be used in areversible grip apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent disclosure. As shown in FIG. 26, an array of top columns 2302that correspond to the openings 2120 in the top layer 2118 and an arrayof bottom columns 2304 that correspond to the openings 2124 in thebottom layer 2122 are joined together in a combined grip component 2308,thereby reducing the number of components required to assemble the mat2100 and simplifying its assembly. The top columns 2302 and the bottomcolumns 2304 of the combined grip component 2308 may have differentcharacteristics, including column size or shape, top surface profile,construction or compressibility, or any combination thereof, that enablethe respective grip zones to provide better combinations of traction,cushion, support and stability for advanced users and basic users,respectively. In an exemplary embodiment, top columns 2302 of thecombined grip component 2308 may have a Shore A durometer in the rangeof 35 to 100, or may have top surface edge radii in the range of 0.1 mmto 0.75 mm, or a combination thereof, and bottom columns 2304 of thecombined grip component 2308 may have a Shore A durometer in the rangeof 10 to 45, or may have top surface edge radii in the range of 0.5 mmto 1.5 mm, or a combination thereof.

With different yoga mat characteristics to select from, themanufacturer, the retailer and the user may need to identify a mat withthe proper characteristics for a particular user. FIG. 27 depicts anexemplary procedure for selecting a yoga mat, in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 27, the outcomeof the exemplary procedure is determined based on user weight and eitherself-reported yoga proficiency or yoga proficiency as determined byassessment, and may be followed by the manufacturer to determine whichyoga mat variant to make, by the retailer to recommend to the user whichyoga mat variant to buy, or by the user to determine which mat to buy.In 2400, the procedure starts, and in 2402, the users are classified asweighing less than or equal to a threshold weight such as 50 kilogramsor weighing greater than a threshold weight such as 50 kilograms. In2404, users weighing less than a threshold weight such as 50 kilogramsare recommended to purchase a mat configured to provide a bettercombination of traction, cushion, support and stability forlighter-weight users, as lighter-weight users may use less force tosupport their weight on the mat and they may need a mat with relativelymore compressibility. A mat configured for lighter-weight users may havea relatively more compressible top layer or bottom layer or relativelymore compressible grip columns or any combination thereof, or anycombination of features and characteristics, such as grip zone size,shape or location, grip column size or shape, grip column number, gripzone pattern, grip column top surface profile, top layer or bottom layermaterial or characteristics, or grip column material, construction orcompressibility, that enable the grip zone to provide a bettercombination of fraction, cushion, support and stability forlighter-weight users. In 2408, users weighing more than a thresholdweight such as 50 kilograms are classified as highly proficient or nothighly proficient. Self-reported proficiency may be assisted by the useof additional criteria such as the number of years that the user hasbeen practicing yoga, the number of times per week the user practicesyoga, and whether the user presses on the mat with the fingertips orwith the palms and with only the toes or with the soles of the feet whenin certain yoga poses such as the downward facing dog pose. In 2410,highly proficient users are recommended to purchase a mat configured toprovide a better combination of traction, cushion, support and stabilityfor advanced users. In 2412, users who are not highly proficient arerecommended to purchase a mat configured to provide a better combinationof traction, cushion, support and stability for basic users. It shouldbe readily understood that additional criteria, such as additional userweight thresholds, additional levels of proficiency, whether the userpractices yoga techniques commonly referred to as hot yoga, may be addedto the procedure, and that additional yoga mat variants may also beadded to the options that the procedure may recommend.

User-assessed proficiency may be subjective and may sometimes beinaccurate, and a more objective assessment that does not require theuser, the retailer or the manufacturer to have expertise in assessingyoga proficiency may be desired. FIG. 28 depicts a perspective view ofan apparatus 2500, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. As shown in FIG. 28, the apparatus 2500 may include asurface 2502 with at least one array of sensors 2504 within at least onesensor region 2508 with electrical connections (not shown) to anelectronic cable connector (not shown), a tablet computer 2510 withspecific application software, and an electronic connection such as anelectronic cable 2512 or a wireless connection such as a Bluetooth or aWiFi connection, between the at least one array of sensors 2504 and thetablet computer 2510. The surface 2502 may be the top surface of a yogamat. Alternatively, the surface 2502 may be the top surface of a layerof material that approximates the characteristics of a yoga mat. Thesensors may be affixed to the top of the surface 2502, or may be beneaththe surface 2502, or may form part of the surface 2502. The sensors inthe at least one array of sensors 2504 may detect forces normal to thesurface 2502, or they may detect forces in the direction of the lengthof the surface 2502, or they may detect forces in the direction of thewidth of the surface 2502, or any combination thereof. Alternatively,the sensors may detect pressure. The at least one sensor region 2508 mayhave one or more textual or graphical cues 2514 to indicate theappropriate regions for the user's hands and feet. Although theexemplary embodiment as shown in FIG. 28 includes a tablet computer2510, it may alternatively be substituted with a smartphone, a personalcomputer, or any device or combination of devices that include at leastone input device, at least one output device such as an electronicdisplay device, and at least one electronic computational device withinput/output, a processor, and memory or storage. The apparatus 2500 mayalso include a base (not shown) and one or more housings or enclosures(not shown) to contain, stabilize and secure the apparatus, but this isnot required. In the operation of the apparatus, the tablet computer2510 may prompt the user to input information such as their age,experience, gender, frequency of yoga practice and types of yogapracticed, into the tablet computer 2510, and may then prompt the userto assume one or more yoga poses on the surface 2502. The at least onearray of sensors 2504 in the surface 2502 may measure both normal andtangential forces and pressures from the user's hands and feet, andcommunicates this information through the electronic cable 2512 to thetablet computer 2510, which may analyze the data from the at least onearray of sensors 2504 and generate a pressure map of the at least onesensor region 2508, and, optionally, display this pressure map to theuser. The tablet computer 2510 may also use the data from the at leastone array of sensors 2504 to detect if the user does not have theirhands and feet within the at least one sensor region or if the user iswearing shoes, and the tablet computer 2510 may convey a message ormessages instructing the user to remove their shoes or move their hands,feet or both hands and feet to within the at least one sensor region2508. The tablet computer 2510 may then analyze the sensor data todetermine the size of the user's palms, the span of the user's hands andfeet, the user's overall weight, the relative loads on the user's handsand feet and the relative tangential forces compared to the relativenormal forces, to determine if the user presses on the surface 2502primarily with portions of the hand or with the entire hand when incertain yoga poses, to determine if the user presses on the matprimarily with the toes or with the entire soles of the feet when incertain yoga poses, to determine if the user has relativelywell-developed core muscles, to determine if the user is relativelysteady or unsteady when assuming the one or more yoga poses on thesurface 2502, or to calculate any other measure or measures relevant toidentifying the proper mat characteristics for the user. The tabletcomputer 2510 may then use the analyzed data from the at least one arrayof sensors 2504, as well as the user-prompted information, in adecision-making process, such as the exemplary process shown in FIG. 28,to identify the yoga mat with the proper characteristics for the user,and may display this information to inform the user of the results. Theapparatus 2500 may provide an objective method for identifying the yogamat with the proper characteristics for the user, and may allow the userto purchase the proper yoga mat with confidence.

While the disclosure has been made in connection with the preferredembodiments shown and described in detail, various modifications andimprovements thereon will become readily apparent to those skilled inthe art. Accordingly, the spirit and scope of the present disclosure isnot to be limited by the foregoing examples, but is to be understood inthe broadest sense allowable by law.

All documents referenced herein are hereby incorporated by reference.

What is claimed is:
 1. A mat, comprising: a first layered structureincluding a first characteristic, said first layered structure locatedat least partially within a first end section of the mat, the firstlayered structure including a plurality of first columns, and aplurality of second columns; and a second layered structure including asecond characteristic different than said first characteristic, saidsecond layered structure located at least partially within a second endsection of the mat, the second layered structure including a pluralityof first columns, and a plurality of second columns wherein each of thefirst layered structure and the second layered structure comprise a toplayer with a plurality of first openings, and a bottom layer with aplurality of second openings, wherein the plurality of first columns areconfigured to translate into the plurality of first openings and theplurality of second columns are configured to translate into theplurality of second openings.
 2. The mat of claim 1, further comprising,a top grip component including the plurality of first columns, and abottom grip component including the plurality of second columns.
 3. Themat of claim 2, wherein the first columns and the second columns havedifferent characteristics.
 4. The mat of claim 2, wherein the firstcolumns extend at least partially through at least one of the pluralityof first openings and the second columns extend at least partiallythrough at least one of the plurality of second openings.
 5. The mat ofclaim 2, wherein the first and second characteristic is at least one ofcolumn size, column shape, top surface profile, material, constructionand compressibility.
 6. The mat of claim 2, wherein the top gripcomponent and the bottom grip component are molded or formed of anelastomer or a flexible polymeric material.
 7. The mat of claim 2,wherein the number of first columns is larger than the number of secondcolumns.
 8. The mat of claim 2, wherein the first columns are smallerthan the second columns.
 9. The mat of claim 2, wherein a surface of oneor more of the first columns is concave.
 10. The mat of claim 2, whereinat least one of the top layer and the first columns has a lowercompressibility than at least one of the bottom layer and the secondcolumns.
 11. The mat of claim 2, wherein at least one of the top layerand the bottom layer has a higher compressibility than at least one ofthe first columns and the second columns.
 12. The mat of claim 2,wherein a top surface of one or more of the first columns has a largeredge radius than a top surface of one or more of the second columns. 13.The mat of claim 2, wherein a surface of one or more of the secondcolumns is straight and normal to the direction of the opposite layeredstructure.
 14. The mat of claim 2, wherein a top surface of one or moreof the second columns is flat or convex.
 15. A mat, comprising: a firstlayered structure including a top layer with a plurality of topopenings, a bottom layer with a plurality of bottom openings, a top gripcomponent including a plurality of top columns that extend at leastpartially through at least one of the plurality of top openings, and abottom grip component including a plurality of bottom columns thatextend at least partially through at least one of the plurality ofbottom openings, said first layered structure located within a first endsection of the mat; and a second layered structure including a secondtop layer with a plurality of second top openings, a second bottom layerwith a plurality of second bottom openings, a second top grip componentincluding a plurality of second top columns that extend at leastpartially through at least one of the plurality of second top openings,and a second bottom grip component including a plurality of secondbottom columns that extend at least partially through at least one ofthe plurality of second bottom openings, said second layered structurelocated within a second end section of the mat, wherein the plurality ofbottom columns are configured to translate within the at least one ofthe plurality of bottom openings, and wherein the plurality of secondbottom columns are configured to translate within the at least one ofthe plurality of second bottom openings.
 16. The mat of claim 15,wherein at least one of the top columns and second top columns includeat least one different characteristic as compared to at least one of thebottom columns and the second bottom columns.
 17. The mat of claim 15,wherein at least one of the top layer and the second top layer includeat least one different characteristic as compared to at least one of thebottom layer and the second bottom layer.
 18. The mat of claim 15,wherein at least one of the top layer, second top layer, bottom layerand the second bottom layer has a higher compressibility than at leastone of the top columns, second top columns, bottom columns, and secondbottom columns.
 19. A mat, comprising: a first layered structurecomprising a top layer with a plurality of top openings, a bottom layerwith a plurality of bottom openings, and a grip component including aplurality of top columns that extend at least partially through at leastone of the plurality of top openings and a plurality of bottom columnsthat extend at least partially through at least one of the plurality ofbottom openings, said first layered structure located within a first endsection of the mat; and a second layered structure comprising a secondtop layer with a plurality of second top openings, a second bottom layerwith a plurality of second bottom openings, and a second grip componentincluding a plurality of second top columns that extend at leastpartially through at least one of the plurality of second top openingsand a plurality of second bottom columns that extend at least partiallythrough at least one of the plurality of second bottom openings, saidsecond layered structure located within a second end section of the mat,wherein the plurality of bottom columns are configured to translatewithin the at least one of the plurality of bottom openings, and whereinthe plurality of second bottom columns are configured to translatewithin the at least one of the plurality of second bottom openings. 20.The mat of claim 19, wherein at least one of the plurality of topcolumns or second top columns and at least one of the plurality ofsecond columns or second bottom columns have different characteristics.21. The mat of claim 20, wherein the different characteristics compriseat least one of column size, column shape, top surface profile,material, construction and compressibility.
 22. The mat of claim 19,wherein the number of top columns is larger than the number of bottomcolumns.
 23. The mat of claim 19, wherein at least one of the topcolumns and second top columns are smaller than at least one of thebottom columns and second bottom columns.
 24. The mat of claim 19,wherein a surface of at least one of the top columns, second topcolumns, bottom columns, and second bottom columns is concave.
 25. Themat of claim 19, wherein at least one of the top layer, second toplayer, bottom layer, and second bottom layer has a highercompressibility than at least one of the top columns, second topcolumns, bottom columns, and second bottom columns.
 26. The layeredstructure of claim 1, wherein the plurality of first columns aredirected generally opposite the plurality of second columns.